There is a common belief that cold weather can worsen the symptoms of arthritis, and many people with arthritis report that their joints feel stiffer and more painful on days with cold temperatures. This phenomenon is known as “weather sensitivity” or “meteoropathy.”
There are several theories about why cold weather might have this effect on arthritis. One theory is that the cold weather causes the blood vessels in the joints to constrict, which can reduce blood flow and make the joints feel stiff and painful. Another theory is that the cold weather causes the muscles and other soft tissues around the joints to become tighter, which can put more pressure on the joints and cause pain.
The Cloudy with a Chance of Pain study analyzed daily data from 2658 patients collected over a 15-month period using a smartphone app. The study demonstrated that higher relative humidity and wind speed and lower atmospheric pressure were associated with increased pain severity in people with long-term pain conditions. However, it is important to note that the relationship between cold weather and arthritis symptoms is still not fully understood, and more research is ongoing.
Tips to ease arthritic aches
If you have arthritis and find that your symptoms are worse on cold days, there are a few things you can do to help manage your symptoms. These include:
- Wearing warm, loose-fitting clothing
- Using a heating pad or hot water bottle to warm up stiff joints
- Taking warm showers or baths to help relax the muscles and reduce stiffness
- Staying active and moving your joints regularly, as this can help reduce stiffness
- Protecting your skin from the cold by wearing gloves and a hat when you go outside
- Talking to your doctor about ways to manage your arthritis symptoms, such as taking medications or trying physical therapy.
Your ally for arthritis relief.
OrthoArkansas is on your side so you can live the best, pain-free life. Our team of arthritis specialists can get to the root of those persistent aches and pains and connect you with treatment options to manage arthritis symptoms.
