For many people, changes in the weather seem to worsen joint pain, particularly those with chronic pain conditions like arthritis. While this is often thought of as a myth, there is an increasing amount of evidence that weather changes really can increase joint pain in patients living with chronic joint pain conditions. At Macomb Pain Management, we strive to provide our patients with answers to their questions about chronic pain, and questions about weather and associated joint pain levels are some of the most common our doctors get. Let’s look at the current evidence for changes in the weather that are increasing joint pain levels.
Barometric Pressure and Joint Pain
When you watch the weather report in the morning, you likely will hear weather reporters mentioning the barometric pressure of a storm system like a hurricane or tropical storm. Barometric pressure is the term for the pressure the atmosphere exerts on the Earth, and weather can significantly change this pressure. When a storm starts to roll in, barometric pressure can drop, leading to tissues of the joints expanding. Patients living with chronic pain-causing conditions of the joints, like arthritis, may be sensitive to these changes and experience increased pain when barometric pressure changes with the weather. Besides joint pain, barometric pressure changes may also impact nerves and are even speculated to have a possible link to inflammation.
Cold Weather and Joint Stiffness
As the weather becomes colder, many people living with joint pain dread the feeling of stiffness, which they often claim gets worse when the temperature drops. There is evidence to support this, as several changes happen to the body when it is exposed to cold temperatures. When the body gets cold, several changes start to happen, including:
- Tightening of muscles
- Reduced blood flow
- Thickening of synovial fluid
These changes result from the body’s attempt to conserve energy and heat by pulling blood away from the extremities and towards the core. This can lead to a feeling of stiffness, particularly in the legs and arms of patients with joint pain. Bundling up with warm clothing before heading out the door is one way to mitigate the increased stiffness of joints caused by cold temperatures.
Humidity and Swelling
Just like the cold humidity and hot temperatures can increase joint pain in patients with conditions like arthritis. When the body is exposed to humidity, it can lead to fluid retention, increasing the pressure on joints. This can increase joint pain levels and inflammation in the body. Besides just generating inflammation in the body from fluid retention, it is believed that some people may be predisposed to an immune response that creates inflammation when exposed to high humidity levels. Staying calm and dry at home with fans or dehumidifiers is one way joint pain patients can decrease their pain levels when it becomes humid outside.
Psychological and Lifestyle Factors Related to Weather
As the weather changes from warmer to colder with the seasons, many people become less active and spend more time indoors. This inactivity can worsen chronic pain levels and is often associated with increases in seasonal depression and anxiety. Staying active year-round, indoors at the gym or bundling up and going for walks, usually benefits patients with chronic pain. If seasonal depression is something you are struggling with, getting help with your mental health can also greatly benefit your physical health, as there is an established link between chronic pain disorders and mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
Contact Macomb Pain Management To Learn More About Dealing With Your Chronic Pain Year Round
At Macomb Pain Management, we are here for you as the weather changes, giving you the tools and knowledge to fight chronic pain year-round. To learn more about our center and our tools, call our team today at (248) 844-8281.
