If you havearthritis, you might find that your joint pain is worse in the winter months.
Healthcare providers and people with arthritis agree that cold weather could make arthritis pain worse.
But the research connecting arthritis and colder temperatures isn’t clear.
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Further, no research or evidence has found that cold weather can cause arthritis.
The main symptoms of arthritis are swelling, tenderness, and stiffness of one or more joints.
The most common types of arthritis areosteoarthritis(OA) andrheumatoid arthritis(RA).
Treatments for arthritic conditions will vary depending on the key in of arthritis you have.
That study suggested a causal relationship between joint pain and weather variables, although not from daily weather changes.
Weather variables included temperature changes, precipitation, atmospheric pressure, relative humidity, and wind speed.
Barometric pressure refers to the force or weight of air surrounding us.A fall in barometric pressure means worsening weather.
This can iclude a heat change or an upcoming storm.
Sudden and harsh changes in barometric pressure have been found to affect human health.
One theory about barometric pressure is that falling pressure can make muscles, tendons, and other tissues expand.
Weather sensitivity was based on three questions, including whether warm or cold weather affects symptoms.
It was also linked to cartilage defects andbone marrowabnormalities.
A lowered barometric pressure usually exists before and during rainy weather.
This pressure drop might cause already inflamed tissues to expand, leading to more joint pain.
For example, a 2015 observational study found rheumatoid arthritis symptoms significantly improved on sunny, less humid days.
Most of those hospitalized were female.
Here, the study’s authors suggest further exploring the connection between RA hospitalizations and temperature changes.
This study involved more than 16,000 people and found that about 4,000 genes are affected by seasonal changes.
Low levels are linked to higher disease activity (more symptoms), including in people with RA.
In one study, researchers suggested the need for vitamin D testing and supplementation for people with RA.
For others, their arthritis can flare in the summer because of the heat and humidity.
Summer barometric pressure changes can also have an impact on arthritis.
you could do plenty to stay healthy and manage arthritis symptoms during the winter months.
Or, if it’s in your budget and you have the time, consider getting a gym membership.
A gym membership might give you access to a pool orlow-impact exerciseclasses for yoga or tai chi.
Stay Warm
Heat can be helpful in the winter months for dealing with stiff joints.
it’s possible for you to gain the benefits of therapy in many ways.
Consider dressing in layers of lightweight clothing.
Layer up to protect your most sensitive and achy areas, including the hands, knees, and elbows.
Wear Compression Gloves
If you do not already own a pair, consider gettingcompression gloves.
Most work well to trap heat and encourage blood flow.
If you suspect your vitamin D is low, reach out to a healthcare provider about tested.
Your provider might recommend supplements to get you back on track if your levels are low.
For most, symptoms seem to worsen in the winter months.
For a lucky few, winter is a reprieve from joint pain and swelling.
But winter weather doesn’t have to make you miserable with arthritis.
you’re free to do plenty to stay healthy and warm and keep arthritis flares at bay.
People with inflammatory arthritis and comorbidities related to arthritis are at a greater risk for infections.
You should stay away from people who are coughing, sneezing, or who appear under the weather.
Avoid crowded places and see to it you and other family members are vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19.
Frequently Asked Questions
Warm, dry climates might allow some people with arthritis to feel better.
But no specific climate will cure or completely eliminate arthritis symptoms.
Your triggers will depend on the throw in of arthritis you have.
They might be able to prescribe a corticosteroid to help bring down inflammation.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Fast facts about arthritis.
Harvard Medical School.Explain the pain is it osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis?
2014;9(1):e85376.
doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0085376
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Physical activity for arthritis.
2019;18(4):261-269. doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2019.03.002
National Institutes of Health.Vitamin D Fact sheet for health professionals.
Kodzinski , Wisowska M.Comorbidities in rheumatic arthritis.Reumatologia.
2018;56(4):228-233. doi:10.5114/reum.2018.77974
