In the United States, roughly 53 million people are diagnosed with arthritis, an inflammatory condition that affects the bones and joints, causing pain, stiffness, and discomfort. While there are numerous triggers behind arthritis, including autoimmunity, the weather also plays a significant role in the equation.
If you have been formally diagnosed with arthritis, you might notice that “certain weather changes” contribute to the increased pain and discomfort. So, the question is, “Does weather affect arthritis, primarily worsening the condition?” The short answer is yes.
There are several individual components involved in weather changes and arthritis, so let’s explore them all in this guide.
What is Arthritis?
Before we explore the correlation between weather and arthritis, let’s first understand what arthritis is and how it affects the bones and the body.
Arthritis, regardless of the type, is a condition characterized by joint inflammation. The primary symptoms include stiffness, joint pain, discomfort while walking, fatigue, muscle soreness, and others.
As for the types, there are a few different types of arthritis you should be aware of, including:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) – This is caused by repetitive movements, also known as the wear and tear of the joints, bones, and muscles over time.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) – This is an autoimmune disorder.
While there is no permanent cure for the condition yet, numerous medical advancements help reduce inflammation significantly and relieve pain and discomfort.
If you’re concerned about indoor pollutants, you might want to explore this helpful guide on monitoring the air quality inside your home.
What is the Correlation Between Arthritis and Weather?
“Seems like the weather is going to get colder, my arthritis pain has been flaring up,” is a common phrase that you might have encountered in passing, especially from patients who have been dealing with the condition for years.
While there seems to be a lack of scientific research, there is numerous anecdotal evidence that suggests a direct correlation between weather changes and arthritis. For example, the pain gets worse during colder months while the summers bring relief and comfort.
How Does Weather Change Affect Arthritis?
To be fair, even with limited scientific evidence, certain factors solidify the fact that weather changes have a direct impact on arthritis.
Here’s how:
1. The Barometric Pressure Theory
The barometric pressure theory is one of the direct explanations for why many patients say that cold weather worsens their arthritic pain.
When a cold front is approaching, barometric pressure drops. According to various studies, a drop in barometric pressure may lead to joint swelling and increased pain. But the question is, why does this happen?
Studies further explain that during low pressure, the tissues around the joint expand, which can lead to nerve irritation and pain. Also, the synovial fluid, which surrounds the bones and joints, thickens during cold weather, contributing to pain and irritation.
Again, not every patient reacts to weather changes in the same way. However, most arthritis patients report pain flares before it rains or during cloudy and damp weather.
For a closer look at where the climate tends to be more comfortable year-round, check out this list of U.S. cities known for having the best weather.
2. Temperature Sensitivity
Another reason cold weather contributes to the increased pain and discomfort is due to temperature sensitivity.
During cold weather, there are elevated risks of:
- Muscle stiffness
- Restricted blood flow
- Lower physical activity, etc.
All of these combined lead to discomfort and pain because the joints become stiffer, contributing to more pain and discomfort.
3. Humidity and Rain
The combination of high humidity and low barometric pressure is a disaster for arthritis patients, as it can make their joints feel worse.
Certain studies suggest that the high amount of moisture in the air can affect how the body reacts to weather changes and temperature shifts, leading to increased joint inflammation and pain sensitivity.
Are There Any Research Studies Deducing the Correlation Between Weather Changes and Arthritis?
As previously mentioned, there are not many research studies that have been done to track the correlation between weather changes and arthritis, at least not enough to draw conclusive results.
However, the following are a few studies that you should be aware of:
- A 2014 study published in the Journal of Pain found that lower temperatures and rising humidity were associated with increased joint pain in people with osteoarthritis.
- A 2007 study in the American Journal of Medicine found that changes in barometric pressure affected people with knee osteoarthritis, especially in cold climates.
These are a few of the more comprehensive studies that conclude the relationship between weather changes and arthritis pain flare-ups. However, these studies also indicate that the triggers and flare-ups are dependent on multiple other factors, like the type of arthritis, age, activity level, and overall health of the patient.
Tips to Manage Weather-Induced Arthritis Symptoms
If you have been diagnosed with arthritis for quite a few years now and experience flare-ups in the symptoms every time the weather becomes cold and damp, the following are a few tips that can help you manage the pain and discomfort:
- One of the best things you can do for your arthritis (and your overall health) is to stay active throughout the year. Not only does it improve joint function, but it also builds strength and increases flexibility.
- Since cold weather and moisture in the air are the primary triggers of pain and discomfort, consider keeping your knees and joints warm with heated socks and gloves, heating pads, and thermal blankets.
- Weather changes aren’t sudden happenings. They usually occur over several days, so try to track the weather changes using apps or on the news and prepare for the aftermath accordingly.
- Since inflammation in the joints is a leading cause of pain and discomfort in arthritis patients, consider eating an anti-inflammatory diet that includes berries, leafy greens, fish, and whole grains.
- Much like the weather, even your stress can impact arthritis symptoms. So, if you are struggling with chronic stress, find ways to manage it to prevent flare-ups.
- If the weather where you live is severe and leads to worsening of your arthritis symptoms, the last (and possibly best) thing you can do for yourself is to relocate.
Do Certain Climates Offer Relief for Arthritis?
Much like cold and damp weather is a villain for arthritis symptoms, summers often bring comfort and respite for patients.
The symptoms are usually more manageable in warmer and drier locations such as:
- Arizona (USA)
- Southern Spain
- Australia’s Gold Coast
- Coastal parts of California
The key is to find a weather that genuinely helps you relax and keeps your symptoms in check instead of making them worse over time.
Final Words
While not everyone with arthritis is affected by the weather, many do experience real, measurable increases in joint pain and stiffness during certain weather conditions. If you are one of them, consider understanding your body’s reaction to the weather and take proactive measures to mitigate the complications accordingly. If the pain and stiffness get worse, consider talking about the same with your doctor as well before things take a turn for the worse.
