11th December 2025 • The HERALD • Page 51 v v KEEP ACTIVE, KEEP HEALTHY v The Waterside Physiotherapy & Osteopathy Clinic www.thewatersideclinic.co.uk Jon Eyres and Associates • NECK AND BACK PAIN • PREGNANCY RELATED PAIN • ACUPUNCTURE • ARTHRITIC PAIN • ALL SPORTS INJURIES • SHOULDER/ARM PAIN Treatment by Chartered Physiotherapists and Registered Osteopaths Registered with all major health insurers and HCPC Tel: 023 8020 7764 First Floor, South Street Centre, Hythe, Southampton SO45 6EB CHIROPODY/PODIATRY 07895 691290 Kerry Grassick BSc (Hons) Podiatry MRCPod KG PODIATRY First Floor, South Street Shopping Centre, Hythe SO45 6EB * LIFT ACCESS * Email: kerrythepodiatrist@gmail.com www.kgpodiatry.co.uk Health, Beauty & Wellbeing Keep Moving To Protect Your Joints This Winter A joint expert, has issued a warning to those living with arthritis or joint pain, and stresses the importance of staying active despite plunging temperatures during cold snaps this winter. “The danger during these cold snaps is that we are tempted to do less exercise and wrap up warm on the sofa, but it can be really detrimental to hip and knee joints if you stop exercising regularly,” explains Nural Ahad, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, at Practice Plus Group, which has a hospital in Southampton. For many, the arrival of cold weather brings an increase in joint discomfort, with arthritis su erers o en noticing sti er, more painful joints. Nural Ahad, explains: “Colder conditions affect the synovial fluid in the joints, which acts as a natural lubricant and shock absorber. In colder weather, the synovial fluid in joints which helps with shock absorption and lubrication, becomes thicker and less effective, making them stiffer and, if you already suffer with joint pain, can make it worse. Low atmospheric pressure can also cause tissue expansion around joints, leading to swelling and discomfort, while nerves become more sensitive to pain.” Whilst many are tempted to wrap up warm and stay indoors, Nural Ahad says this can actually make joints worse. “Staying active is one of the most effective ways to counter these effects. Physical activity helps bone health and boosts the heart and lungs - and is an excellent way to maintain a healthy weight – essential for keeping pressure off joints.” He claims even simple daily activities can make a di erence. Walking, for instance, is highlighted as an ideal form of exercise. “Walking is fantastic exercise and walking every day even when it gets cold will reduce stiffness and improve muscle strength. improves joint pain,” Mr Ahad adds. With all joint pain conditions, there are some interventions that can be done if light exercise is not helping, Mr Ahad says, “Steroid injections can offer meaningful, longer-term pain relief and are often an effective option for patients to help manage persistent joint discomfort. Many patients explore these injections before considering surgical interventions such as joint replacement. However, surgery may ultimately be the most appropriate course of action in certain cases. We encourage early assessment to help prevent the progression of symptoms, support mobility, and enhance overall quality of life.” Practice Plus Group Hospital, Southampton treats private and NHS patients and has shorter than average waiting times for a range of conditions including hip and knee surgery, hernia, cataracts, endoscopy, urology and colorectal surgery. Patients who choose to go private with Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group can access surgery in as few as 4-6 weeks of seeing a consultant. NHS patients can also ask their GP for a referral to the hospital. Visit www. practiceplusgroup.com for more information. can maintain joint mobility, strengthen muscles around key joints, and support overall tness without exposing people to icy conditions. “There are plenty of exercises online (practiceplusgroup. com/knowledge-hub/physiotherapy-exercise-videos) that can help. Our physio teams work with patients to show them exercises that can safely maintain mobility and build muscle strength – these can be done in the comfort of your living room. Just a few minutes each day can really make a difference, and there’s no need to even venture into the cold.” Beyond physical health, maintaining an active lifestyle during cold months also supports psychological wellbeing, which has a direct e ect on pain tolerance. “Exercise also lifts your mood! We know from research that your psychological wellbeing has a direct impact on your ability to tolerate pain. Equally, eating healthily and getting plenty of sleep Nural Ahad Movement helps build up bones, making it less likely that they will break, and it also improves balance and flexibility, reducing the risk of falls. Use a walking stick to aid balance if you need to, and ensure you have some grippy footwear to prevent slips and falls.” he says. Indoor activity can also help those reluctant to venture out too far in freezing temperatures. Gentle stretches, using an exercise bike, or even light resistance exercises THE KETTLE IS ALWAYS ON Testwood Baptist Church’s monthly Bereavement Café is held in the lounge at M Johnson Family Funeral Directors, 26-28 Commercial Road, Totton. e Café is run on a ‘drop-in’ basis between 1pm and 2.30pm on the second Monday of each month and is not designed to be a counselling session. Visitors to the Café will receive a warm welcome and a supportive environment for re ection and conversation; a place to nd mutual support and encouragement. e kettle is always on with tea, co ee and a variety of cakes (including a gluten-free option) served by a friendly team of volunteers. The next Café session will be on Monday 12th January. For more information, please contact the Church on: 023 8086 0320 or visit: www.testwoodbaptist.org Parkinson’s Support e New Forest Branch of Parkinson’s UK welcome all Parkinson’s people and their Carers to join their fun chair-based exercise classes. ese classes are held Tuesdays at 10.30am and most Thursdays at 2pm at the Boldre War Memorial Hall, Pilley, SO41 5QG. £3 per class (Carers free). e New Forest Branch of Parkinson’s UK meets on the third Thursday of each month at the Boldre War Memorial Hall, Pilley, SO41 5QG from 2pm to 4.30pm. Friendly support, information and social activities are available for all people with Parkinson’s, their Carers, families and friends. All new members are very welcome. No membership fees, but voluntary donations always welcome. Contact: 07595 927299 or visit: www.parkinsonsnewforest.org.uk
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