Why Do My Joints Hurt When the Weather Changes?

Can the weather indeed affect your joints? Simply put, yes. But how?

People, especially those with arthritis (a condition that causes joint pain), can be deeply affected by the weather, primarily by what’s going on in the atmosphere. Increased humidity and decreased barometric pressure are the biggest contributors.

Barometric pressure refers to the amount of air pressure in the atmosphere. Basically, it helps us understand the weight the air molecules have at a given time, as it constantly changes and varies depending on what part of the Earth you’re measuring.

Storms form when barometric pressure decreases, bringing an onslaught of cold temperatures and strong winds. Since your joints are used to feeling more pressure from the air, that drop in air pressure can make the tissues around your joints swell. Furthermore, storms often come with rain, leading to higher humidity levels in the atmosphere, which increases joint pain, too.

Joint Pain Management Strategies

While you can’t control the weather, you can control some of your body’s response to it. There are a number of ways to manage your joint pain and prevent it in the first place.

• Exercise: Healthy movement keeps your muscles loose and your tendons relaxed. Working out regularly will help prevent aches and pains from weather changes as your tissues and joints will be more resilient.
• Stretching: Staying loose with regular stretches will prevent muscles from tightening and tissues from swelling.
• Anti-inflammatory medication: Medicines that reduce swelling help relieve joint pain. You can take them as a pill or apply them as a lotion.
• Staying warm: Heat is your friend when combatting the cold weather and the aches and pains that come with it. Dress appropriately if you’re going outside in colder temps, and if you feel joint pain, sit in a hot bath or apply a heating pad on the tender area.

Joint Pain Treatment at Schneck

The fi rst step to treating joint pain is pinpointing what’s causing it. You’ll meet with an orthopedic specialist and tell them about your situation, and from there, they can determine the best treatment for your condition. Treatment may involve the following methods:

• Physical therapy
• Topical treatments/medications
• Weight loss
• Hot/cold compresses
• Dietary supplements

If you are experiencing severe joint pain, increasing stiff ness, or consistent pain, contact your doctor sooner rather than later. It’s best to check with your provider if you are feeling any level of joint pain, even if it’s mild.

In severe cases, we may recommend total joint replacement surgery. The joint replacement program will include pre-op conversations on what to expect with you and a family member or friend, specialized staff, personalized physical therapy, and regular check-ins with our team after your operation.

Orthopedic Services at Schneck

At Schneck Orthopedics, our services treat the musculoskeletal system—the tissues that help the body move. This includes treating arthritis, carpal tunnel, and chronic pain, as well as replacing hip, knee, and shoulder joints. For aches, creeks, and pains, Schneck Orthopedics can find a solution.