Orthopaedic clinics and hospitals in Lucknow are witnessing a significant surge in patients complaining of joint and muscle-related issues, with a nearly 30% increase recorded over the past ten days. Medical professionals attribute this sharp rise directly to the intensifying cold weather gripping the city.
Hospitals Report Significant Patient Influx
Doctors state that the most common complaints include knee pain, lower backache, neck stiffness, and shoulder discomfort. The trend is particularly pronounced among elderly arthritis patients, who report greater stiffness and pain as temperatures fall. Simultaneously, there is a noticeable increase in neck and shoulder pain cases among younger individuals.
Prof Kumar Shantanu, a faculty member in the orthopaedics department at King George's Medical University (KGMU), confirmed the seasonal pattern. "Joint-related complaints clearly increase during cold weather," he said. He noted that currently, around 50 patients visit their OPD daily, with arthritis sufferers being severely affected.
A similar situation is unfolding at Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences (RMLIMS). Dr Deepak Kumar, faculty in orthopaedics at RMLIMS, reported a sharp jump in numbers. "On normal days, we see around 20–30 patients with stiffness or joint pain. These days, the figure has risen to nearly 50 daily, which is more than 50% higher than usual," he explained.
Why Cold Weather Aggravates Aches and Pains
Prof Shantanu elaborated on the physiological reasons behind the winter woes. He explained that weather changes directly affect joint symptoms, with pain—especially in the knees and fingers—worsening during winter. "In cold weather, joint tissues become tighter and more fibrosed, which aggravates pain and stiffness, especially at sites of previous injury," he said.
He identified people above 55–60 years as the most affected demographic, as existing degenerative changes worsen in the cold, leading to knee, ankle, and lower back pain. Those with old injuries are also experiencing renewed discomfort.
Expert Advice for Relief and Prevention
To combat the seasonal agony, doctors are recommending a proactive approach. Prof Shantanu advised patients to stay physically active, continue walking or cycling, and do regular exercises. He strongly recommended heat therapy using warm compresses or hot water bottles, along with wearing warm clothing, particularly over the lower limbs. Physiotherapy can also provide significant relief.
The trend is not confined to government hospitals. Private practitioners are reporting identical patterns. Dr Sandeep Kapoor, director of Health City Vistar and an orthopaedics specialist, stated they are seeing an overall increase of about 25–30% in patients. He highlighted a worrying rise in issues among the youth.
"Poor posture, excessive mobile and laptop use, and awkward positions under quilts lead to neck stiffness, shoulder pain, and pain radiating to the arms," Dr Kapoor said, explaining the causes behind the increase in neck pain and muscle spasms among younger people during winter.
The consensus among Lucknow's orthopaedic experts is clear: the cold wave is directly translating into a wave of musculoskeletal complaints, affecting all age groups but hitting the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions the hardest.
