Arthritis is painful, but the weather could be making it worse! Have you also heard of this? It is not uncommon to have medical myths, but some of them might be true. If you believe personal experience that several people report, there is indeed a connection between weather and Arthritis. 

Your landing here can possibly imply that you agree, as you had a similar experience. So, is it true? What does science say about this? Does weather affect Arthritis? Read ahead to find answers to your questions. 

Weather and Arthritis

The views on the connection between weather and Arthritis are diverse and clashing. Some studies have established a relationship between the two, while others concluded it is a myth. 

Let’s explore this in more detail for better understanding. 

Connection

A few studies have explored the relationship between Arthritis and various weather-related factors such as temperature, air pressure, and humidity. 

According to a study by Tim McAlindon, knee pain in patients increased with low temperature or high air pressure. Another older study by H Aikman found that decreased temperature and increased humidity worsen pain and stiffness among those suffering from Arthritis. Some newer studies have also established the role of high humidity, air pressure, low temperature, and even higher wind speed in worsening pain and stiffness. 

Contradiction

A 2017 study reinstated the doubt of the relationship between Arthritis and weather. It found that weather (rainfall) did not affect Arthritis or joint and back pain in general. Another 2014 study confirmed that wind speed, precipitation, humidity, and temperature had no significant effect on back pain. 

A missing factor

Many people report to their doctor that they can feel the difference in pain according to the weather. However, not enough scientific evidence is available to confirm this. Does this necessarily mean that there is no connection? Maybe not! Science can often not predict the exact cause or relationship between two factors. 

There is a possibility that an underlying factor is still missing, which can help establish a confirmed relationship between weather and Arthritis. Until then, if you feel uneasy, you can contact your doctor and seek guidance to reduce pain. 

Did you know?
In the US, 5.4 percent of adults aged 18-44 have Arthritis. The numbers rise to 26 percent in people aged 45 to 64 and 47.3 percent in those aged 65 or above. 

Remedies for management

Despite the weather worsening Arthritis pain and other symptoms, you cannot do much about it. Moving to a drier and warmer place is also not practically possible for most people. However, there are certain remedies you can try for joint pain caused by cold weather. 

Physical activity

For people experiencing pain or inflammation, physical activity can be an effective tool of management. It involves simple activities like walking or even gardening. It will help ease the stiffness and stretch the muscles, ligaments, and joints while blocking pain signals to the brain. 

Heat treatment

A heating pad can also help ease the pain. It improves blood flow to the area where it is applied, loosens tight muscles or even reduces inflammation, alleviating joint stiffness and muscle spasms. You can also try a hot bath instead of a heating pad to relax your entire body. 

Stretching

A woman suffering from arthritis doing exercise
A woman suffering from arthritis doing exercise

Stretching is an effective way to manage Arthritis, knee, and back pain. It can improve joint flexibility, ease movement and reduce pain and inflammation. 

Even yoga, which involves breathing exercises followed by stretching exercises or Asanas such as cobra pose or forward fold, can be used to manage pain. A 2016 study involving rats also confirmed that a ten-minute stretching session twice daily reduced inflammation and pain. 

Staying warm

Temperature plays a crucial role in managing Arthritis pain. As discussed earlier, lower temperatures can worsen pain. Moreover, cold weather can cause muscles to be tense, which can lead to less mobility and flexibility and aggravate pain. That explains why cold weather and muscle stiffness bother you together. So, you should avoid going out in low temperatures or avoid direct exposure by keeping yourself warm to avoid worsening symptoms. 

Diet

You can also manage your pain through a controlled diet. Generally, a diet for Arthritis involves anti-inflammatory foods to reduce inflammation and joint pain, along with other symptoms. It comprises whole foods like vegetables, fruits, fish, low-processed foods, nuts, and beans. 

Warning
If not treated on time, Rheumatoid Arthritis may cause widespread inflammation of the eyes, heart, lungs, or blood vessels and also cause damage to joints. It is advised not to ignore your symptoms or discomfort and seek treatment from an experienced doctor. 

Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Pain relievers like NSAIDs are widely used to treat Arthritis symptoms. They are anti-inflammatory agents that can reduce inflammation and pain associated with Arthritis if home remedies and other management options fail. Some of the effective options are Ibuprofen and Naproxen. 

You can easily buy Brufen 400mg or Naprosyn 500mg at WowRxPharmacy at affordable prices. 

Conclusion

The relationship between weather and Arthritis remains unclear. Some studies have found that high humidity, low air pressure, and temperature can worsen Arthritis pain. On the other hand, few studies found that there was no significant relationship between Arthritis and weather. 

If you experience weather-related pain, you can try management strategies like stretching, staying warm, consuming anti-inflammatory foods, and opting for pain relievers like NSAIDs. For now, even if the relationship remains unclear, further studies can be conducted to explore if there are underlying factors responsible for such changes. If yes, despite the weather being out of our control, apt treatment can be developed for easing Arthritis pain in the future. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Citations:
WowRx uses only high-quality sources while writing our articles. Please read our content information policy to know more about how we keep our content reliable and trustworthy.