Published on February 20, 2023

Is The Weather Causing Your Joint Pain?

Joint Pain Cold Weather

Do you wonder if your joint pain is influenced by the weather? It could be. Though not necessarily true for everyone, there has been a history of patients reporting weather impacting their joint pain levels. 

A recent study of 13,000 United Kingdom residents living with conditions such as arthritis found that aches increased on days with high humidity, low barometric pressure and strong wind. Cold temperatures have also been identified as increasing pain. Experts agree more research would help determine how weather may be linked to joint pain or why it affects some patients more than others, but they do have a few ideas.

Humidity/Low Barometric Pressure

When air pressure drops, it usually leads to clouds and rain. Therefore, when humidity is high, barometric pressure is low. Shifts to lower air pressure could make tendons, muscles and scar tissue expand, leading to slight swelling that might irritate joints. A sudden drop in pressure as a storm blows in creates more noticeable aches than a slow, gradual pressure decline.

Wind

Strong winds can bring climate factors like cold and humidity to the body quickly.

Cold

When the temperature drops, your body conserves heat by limiting blood flow to the extremities and pumping more blood to the lungs and heart. Low temperatures can also thicken the fluid inside your joints, so they feel stiffer and more sensitive to pain. 

Here are some things you can try to help with weather-related joint pain:

  • Stay active. Muscles, tendons and ligaments that don’t move tend to tighten up.
  • Stay warm. Dress for the weather to keep muscles warm.
  • Stretch regularly. Stretching and doing yoga are great ways to increase flexibility and maintain joint health.
  • Consume healthy foods. Choose foods that help reduce inflammation such as green tea, berries, broccoli and whole grains.
  • Add heat. If you feel weather-related aches coming on, take a hot shower or use a heating pad
  • Consider anti-inflammatory medication. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) can help reduce the swelling behind joint pain. Some come in lotion form. Always discuss medication changes with your health care provider first.

Short of moving to Hawaii, you can’t avoid changes in weather. Doing your best to follow the tips above and keeping in close contact with your primary care provider (and specialist if you require one) can help keep joint pain under control regardless of the weather.

Curtis Romp, D.P.T., is a physical therapist who sees patients at Midland Professional Suites, located at 555. W. Wackerly Street, Suite 2600, in Midland. Curtis is a certified brain injury specialist and specializes in LSVT BIG therapy, neuro-rehabilitation, McKenzie and orthopedics. To make an appointment, call the office at (989) 832-5913. To learn more, visit www.mymichigan.org/rehab.