This time of year, cold weather is an absolute staple. Freezing rain, snow and ice, frost that has to be scraped from your windshield – all of these are taking place right outside your front door. Whether or not you're a fan. Even those who live in climates that don't generally see cold are subject to the occasional bout of winter. Which also means stiff joints and other weather-caused pains.

Generally, aches are harder felt throughout the frigid temps due to harsher atmospheric conditions. Also, if we happen to fall or stub a toe, it's going to hurt worse and for a longer period of time. With dry air and a lack of soothing warmth, any injury is harder felt. Whether it's something that's flared up from the very causes that's making it worse, or is a new pain that's simply worse through seasonal conditions, there's no denying that winter is a terrible season for aches and pains.

Why Does Winter Cause Pains?

Because aspects like barometric pressure, humidity, etc. are changing so drastically, bodies are more likely to feel each adjustment. When those environmental changes are sudden, the effects are even worse. Most often identifying as a dull ache or even severe pain. Though there are exceptions to every rule, it's most likely that previous injuries will flare up in accordance to the injury. For instance, broken legs are more apt to cause pain, while twisted ankles might only swell subtly.

Additionally, pains become more severe with age. Meaning the older you become, the more likely it is that you will experience intense symptoms.

Though similar changes also take place throughout warmer months, we are simply less likely to feel them. More humidity and higher temperatures makes things, like weather changes, more bearable.

How to Combat Aches in the Cold

Depending on how bad you hurt, you'll want to take various precautions. Using a humidifier in your home will help first and foremost. Not only will it make your house feel warmer (without raising the heating bill), it will make your body more comfortable. Which, in turn, means less pains and ease of mobility.

Think what takes place each time you're cold, you huddle under layers of clothes and blankets and likely don't do much moving. During this time your joints and muscles become tense and cold from a lack of movement. By ensuring your home is a more agreeable temperature, you'll be able to move freely and relax vs. hunching to stay warm.

You can also help alleviate pains by staying active. This might sound like the last thing you want to do, but it will, however, keep the body fluid and moving. Therefore, reducing tension and keeping you warmer in the process. It's a step that can also help eliminate future injuries from taking place in the cold, or any other time of year.

You can also keep track of changing weather patterns. Many will choose to travel to warmer climates in order to avoid frigid conditions altogether. But for those who don't have that type of flexibility (or disposable income), a viable alternative comes with keeping track of weather patterns. Knowing when pressures are set to drop (as well as temperatures) can help you better prepare – by stocking up on sidewalk salts, increasing the thermostat, or even planning your schedule so you can stay indoors more often.

Though winter temps can cause havoc to the body, there are different steps we can take in order to combat achy side effects. Look to the above and keep track of bodily changes for a better way to get through the winter.