For many people who suffer from joint pain, the weather can be a big factor in their pain. While joint pain can be caused by many different things, such as arthritis, injuries, and age, the weather can aggravate and worsen the pain.
Several studies have been conducted over the last several years; however, no concrete evidence supports one theory vs. another.
That said, let’s take a closer look at how weather affects joint pain and what you can do to minimize the discomfort.
How Weather Affects Joint Pain
It might seem like an old wives’ tale, but there is actually some science behind how weather affects joint pain.
Temperature Changes
The temperature outside can majorly affect how much joint pain you experience. When temperatures drop, your body will get stiffer and more painful joints as the air around them gets colder. During hot days, the air humidity outside may cause swelling and increased inflammation in your joints which could lead to more pain.
Pressure Changes
Just like a barometer measures changes in atmospheric pressure, so does your body. Pressure changes due to shifts in the atmosphere can affect joint pain because pressure changes directly impact your joints’ lubrication levels. When pressure drops and becomes low enough, it can cause extra friction between bones connected by tendons or muscles, resulting in more pain than usual.
Humidity Levels
Humidity plays a big role in how comfortable you feel when going out during different seasons and times of the day. High levels of humidity increase swelling in your joints, leading to extra stiffness and discomfort. If possible, try to avoid going out when humidity levels are high or limit the time spent outside if you must go out on such days. You can still enjoy your time indoors by logging into Everygame Poker and playing your favorite online poker games.
Rainfall Patterns
Rainfall patterns also affect joint pain, particularly for those who suffer from arthritis or other inflammatory conditions. The rain itself doesn’t really cause any extra discomfort. However, it’s the dampness that comes with it. Dampness means colder temperatures for extended periods, which could make your joints feel stiffer than usual for longer amounts of time, leading to more joint discomfort than normal.
It is important to note that whereas some research suggests that weather can affect joint pain, other studies have not found a correlation between the two. This means that more research is needed to say for sure how weather affects joint pain.
What You Can Do To Minimize Joint Pain Caused By Weather Changes
Dealing with joint pain as weather changes can be a nightmare. There are a few things that you can do to minimize joint pain caused by weather changes.
Dress Accordingly
When dressing for cold or wet weather, try to avoid tight clothing that might rub against your joints. Instead, opt for airy fabrics designed to keep you warm and allow your skin to breathe. Also, make sure your clothes aren’t too heavy, as extra weight on limbs can add additional strain and pressure on joints, exacerbating any existing pain.
Exercise Regularly
Exercising regularly is vital in managing joint pain caused by changing temperatures and barometric pressure.
Low-impact exercises like swimming or yoga can be particularly beneficial for strengthening supporting muscles around the affected area without putting unnecessary stress on the affected joint itself. For those unable or unwilling to leave the house, home-based exercises such as stretching routines may also provide some relief.
Monitor Humidity Levels
As aforementioned, high humidity levels can make existing joint pain worse as it increases sensitivity towards both heat and cold temperatures. Whenever possible, try to maintain comfortable humidity levels at home both while active and resting by using fans or a humidifier if necessary.
Soak Up Heat and Light
Cold weather exacerbates joint pain more than warmer conditions; soaking up the heat whenever possible is key for managing these symptoms throughout colder months. Heat sources such as hot water bottles and electric blankets may help alleviate pain by providing localized heating around joints but be sure not to overexpose yourself as well.
Additionally, soaking up sunlight has been shown to increase the production of natural Vitamin D, which is crucial for strong bones and muscle health.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of fluids is essential no matter what time of year it is – especially during changes in barometric pressure, where hydration has been linked directly with reduced inflammation surrounding joints due to increase in blood viscosity. Aiming for two liters a day where possible should help keep your hydration levels up
Watch Your Diet
Eating foods high in inflammatory compounds, such as sugar and saturated fat, can worsen joint pain. Try to eat plenty of anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Conclusion
Weather plays a surprisingly big role in how much joint pain you experience each day – sometimes even exacerbating existing conditions like arthritis. However, understanding how weather affects your joint health allows you to plan ahead and manage your symptoms better before they become unmanageable.
While there isn’t much you can do about the weather, the tips mentioned above can help minimize its effects on your joints. Stay informed about upcoming weather forecasts, and make sure you take precautions such as wearing warmer clothes or taking medications beforehand so that you don’t suffer too much when heading outdoors with existing joint pains.
