You may have heard a grandparent claim they could predict the weather based on joint pain. This is not something that was in their imagination. According to the Arthritis Foundation (2015), weather can impact our health. In particular, a 10 point drop in temperature, and an increase in barometric pressure can cause arthritic pain. Barometric pressure is a measure that refers to the weight of the surrounding air. The Arthritis Foundation reports that in a study done by Tuft’s University, the ball of a cadavers hip joint moved off track around one third of an inch with a drop in barametric pressure. If a person has arthritis in multiple joints, this can cause increased pain throughout the body depending on the weather. In a study done in the journal Pain (2014), “two-thirds of people living with joint pain across the country report weather related joint pain.” However, there is no one place or paradise which offers a pain free climate.
Cold weather and humid weather, in particular are implicated in causing joint pain. In cold weather muscles and ligaments can tighten up and become stiff. In humid weather, pressure on the body causes swelling and increased pain. Therefore, it is important to warm up first in the cold weather and cool down in humid weather.
Options for reducing weather related joint pain include routines for managing arthritic pain in general like medications, which need to be prescribed by your provider; an exercise plan developed by a physical therapist; and, heat and cold therapies. Upon arising, a warm shower can ease a stiff achy body. At the end of a hot summer day, a dip in a cool pool or even a cool shower can reduce inflammation in the joints. Cool packs and warm packs are also available over the counter, but caution needs to be taken with use of a heating pad, which if left on too long, can cause a burn.
References
Arthritis Foundation (2015). Retrieved from http://www.arthritis.org/living-with- arthritis/treatments/natural/other-therapies/heat-cold-pain-relief.php
Weather.com (2014). Why your joints hurt when weather changes. http://www.weather.com/health/news/why-your-joints-hurt-when-weather-changes-20141105