Summertime is upon us. The season of longer days, sunshine (for the most part), holidays and outdoor fun! BBQs, day trips to the beach & picnics in the park have commenced. The milder weather brings more opportunities to enjoy the sunshine, spend time with our loved ones and explore the great outdoors!
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Enjoy a pain free summer
There are a huge number of benefits to getting outside & enjoying the sunny weather during this season.
These include; increasing your sunlight exposure to boost your Vitamin D levels and immersing yourself in nature to enhance your mental well-being & reduce stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression.
Not to mention, improving your physical fitness by partaking in outdoor activities such as walking, swimming or cycling which strengthens your cardiovascular system & improves your overall health.
However, it is important to be mindful of several factors that may increase your joint pain in the warmer months. I am a huge advocate for getting outside & increasing your activity levels during the summer and I still believe that the benefits of fresh air, sunshine & longer daylight hours far outweigh any negative side effects.
To ensure that you can enjoy a pain-free summer and not miss out on all the fun, consider these tips to ensure you can enjoy this season to the fullest.
Keep Hydrated
The first thing to consider is hydration - and more importantly, dehydration. During the summer months, increased temperatures and higher activity levels often lead to greater fluid loss through sweat which can lead to dehydration. When the body becomes dehydrated, the fluid that lubricates our joints, synovial fluid, becomes thinner as it is primarily made up of water. This lack of lubrication in our joints increases friction & decreases fluidity.
Therefore, joints may feel stiffer, less cushioned, and more prone to pain, especially during movement or exercise. The hotter weather (and lack of air conditioning in the UK) can result in an increased risk of dehydration throughout the season. Recurring dehydration can even contribute to inflammation, which can increase pain & stiffness further.
Staying properly hydrated is crucial to maintain joint health, prevent pain & increase mobility. The key to hydration is not only replenishing your water levels, but also your electrolyte stores. A careful balance of magnesium, sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride & bicarbonate ensures our joints are nourished with the nutrients they need to recover & rebuild.
🌰 In a nutshell, prioritise swapping out water for an electrolyte drink during the summer!
Rest and Recover
In addition, the summer (usually) brings better weather, and with better weather comes increased levels of outdoor activity.
Activities such as mowing the lawn, gardening, trimming the hedge, general DIY and a game of rounders with the family can naturally put your joints under extra pressure. I think we are all guilty of going from 0 to 100 as the weather starts to improve, without giving our bodies the time to prepare & adapt.
Repetitive impact, kneeling & longer periods of activity without rest can lead to higher levels of inflammation, joint discomfort & overuse injuries.
To manage this natural increase in activity, it’s important to build up your activity levels gradually & prioritise resistance exercises into your routine to offload your joints by building up your muscle strength. It is vital to schedule rest days into your week & incorporate recovery therapies such as cold-packs or compression to reduce inflammation & relieve pain.
This carefully considered combination of
activity & rest will help your joints feel strong & resilient throughout the warmer months.
Beat heat-related inflammation
Finally, heat-related inflammation can also lead to pain & stiffness. Higher temperatures dilate blood vessels, increasing blood flow to your joints which can cause tissues to swell slightly. Sometimes, this swelling can irritate nerve endings & pain receptors, decreasing pain tolerance at your joints. This can especially heighten discomfort in arthritic joints.
So, how can you support joint health during the summer?
Consistently taking a joint-pain supplement, such as Flexee by Extracted is a must during the hotter months to reduce joint discomfort & pain.
Flexee contains powerful, evidence-dosed ingredients including the groundbreaking Ovomet (eggshell membrane), MSM, glucosamine, turmeric & boswellia which work together synergistically to nourish connective tissue, reduce stiffness & support the body to manage the general wear & tear from increased activity.
By consistently providing your body with these powerful nutrients, you are giving your joints the best possible chance to stay comfortable, resilient and ready for summertime fun!
The Author: Lauren Jackson BSc (Hons) Physiotherapist
Lauren graduated with first-class honours in Physiotherapy (UEA, 2020), completing her final year in a USA outpatient clinic treating athletes and post-operative patients.
She combines manual therapy, massage, exercise rehabilitation, and education to treat and prevent musculoskeletal conditions. A qualified Pilates instructor with sports massage certification, Lauren tailors treatment to individual goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Flexee take to work?
Most users notice improvements within 30 to 60 days of consistent use. Some may experience relief sooner, but results depend on factors like the severity of joint issues, overall health, and adherence to the recommended dosage.
How is Flexee different from other joint supplements?
Unlike many “off-the-shelf” joint supplements, Flexee provides significantly higher doses of key active ingredients - sometimes up to 5x more than competitors. This means you get a more potent and effective formula, increasing the likelihood of noticeable benefits.
Is Flexee vegan?
Flexee is not vegan due to the inclusion of Eggshell Membrane (Ovomet®), which is derived from eggs.
How do your subscriptions work?
Subscriptions are a convenient way to get your supplements delivered every month. After purchasing you will receive an email to manage your subscription.
You can cancel or pause at any time. We also send out handy reminders 3 days before you are billed so you know when your next pouch is on its way!
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
