When the weather starts to change, especially when it gets colder or wetter, many people notice that their joints begin to ache or feel stiffer than usual. This is something that happens to a lot of people, but it is especially common for those who already have arthritis or other joint problems. The connection between weather and joint pain has been talked about for a long time, and while scientists are still learning exactly how it works, there is a lot of evidence that weather changes can make joint pain worse [1].
One of the main reasons why joints hurt more in cold or damp weather is because of changes in air pressure, also known as barometric pressure. Barometric pressure is the weight of the air pressing down on the Earth. When the weather is about to change, especially before a storm or when cold air moves in, the barometric pressure often drops. When this happens, the tissues around the joints, especially those that are already inflamed or damaged, can expand a little bit. This expansion puts more pressure on the nerves inside the joint, which can make the joint feel stiff, tender, or painful [1][3][5][9][11].
Another reason why joints hurt more in cold weather is because the fluid inside the joint, called synovial fluid, can thicken when the temperature drops. Synovial fluid is important because it helps the joint move smoothly and acts as a cushion between the bones. When it thickens, like water turning into slush, it does not work as well, and the joint can feel stiffer and more uncomfortable [3][5][7][13]. This is why some people say their joints feel like they are moving slower or are harder to bend when it is cold outside.
Humidity also plays a role in joint pain. When the air is more humid, especially during rainy or damp weather, it can make inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis feel worse. The moist, heavy air may change how the body’s tissues expand or hold onto fluid, which can make swelling and discomfort worse in the joints [1][3][5]. This is why some people notice that their joints hurt more on days when it is not just cold, but also humid or rainy.
Cold weather can also make the muscles and ligaments around the joints tighter. When muscles are tight, they do not support the joints as well, which can lead to more pain and stiffness. At the same time, circulation slows down in cold weather, which means that less blood and fewer nutrients reach the joints. This can slow down healing and make it harder for the body to recover from pain or injury [1][13].
People with arthritis or other joint problems are more sensitive to these weather changes because their joints are already damaged or inflamed. The cartilage that cushions the joints may be worn down, and the lining of the joint may be thickened or scarred. When the weather changes, these already sensitive joints react more strongly, which is why many people with arthritis can almost predict the weather based on how their joints feel [1][3][11].
Reduced physical activity is another factor that can make joint pain worse in cold or wet weather. When it is cold or rainy, people tend to stay inside and move around less. When you do not move as much, your muscles get weaker, your joints get stiffer, and your circulation slows down. All of these things can make joint pain worse and make it harder to move comfortably [1][3][5][13].
Scientists are still studying exactly how weather changes affect joint pain, but there is strong evidence that changes in temperature, humidity, and air pressure all play a role. Some researchers also think that changes in weather might affect the way nerves sense pain, making people more sensitive to discomfort when the weather changes [3][5]. There is also some evidence that cold weather can change the levels of certain proteins in the body that are involved in pain sensation, which might make joints hurt more [3].
Many people with arthritis or joint pain have found that keeping warm, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the pain that comes with weather changes [3]. Wearing warm clothes, using heating pads, and doing gentle exercises can all help keep joints moving and reduce stiffness. Staying active is especially important because it helps keep the muscles strong and the joints flexible, which can make it easier to deal with the effects of cold or damp weather [1][3][13].
In summary, weather changes can trigger joint pain in several ways. Changes in air pressure can cause tissues around the joints to expand, making them feel stiff and painful. Cold temperatures can make the fluid inside the joints thicker, which makes movement harder and more uncomfortable. Humid or damp weather can make inflammation worse, and reduced physical activity in cold weather can lead to weaker muscles and stiffer joints. People with arthritis or other joint problems are especially sensitive to these changes, but there are things that can be done to help reduce the pain and discomfort that comes with changing weather [1][3][5][7][9][11][13].
Sources
[1] https://www.dwcchiropractic.com/blog/how-colder-wetter-weather-affects-your-joints-and-how-to-protect-them/
[3] https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/arthritis/does-cold-weather-affect-arthritis
[5] https://www.discovermagazine.com/is-there-a-hidden-connection-between-bad-weather-and-achy-joints-48236
[7] https://twincitiespainclinic.com/why-do-my-joints-ache-when-it-gets-cold/
[9] https://shareholders.morningstar.com/investor-resources/investor-qa/investor-qa/default.aspx
[11] https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/orthopaedic-surgeon-explains-why-arthritis-becomes-more-painful-in-winter-shares-7-strategies-to-ease-discomfort-101763896440526.html
[13] https://foxrehab.org/reduce-winter-arthritis-pain/
