Do you notice that your bones and joints ache when it is cold or rainy outside? You may be wondering why certain joints flare up and stiffen based on the weather? Can you feel that a rainstorm is approaching because your whole body feels stiff? Many physicians have observed that more people feel pain on rainy days. In this article, we will find out exactly what is responsible for this.
Why Does My Arthritis Hurt When It Rains?
Arthritis responds to changes in barometric pressure. When it rains outside, atmospheric pressure drops. Once your body detects this change in pressure, soft tissue will swell up and joint space will compress. As a result of the swelling and compression, the fluid in the joints expands which can irritate nerves and impair joint mechanics.
Another reason for increased stiffness/pain during the rain is because rainy/cold weather prevents you from moving around the way you usually do. When weather forces you to spend more time indoors and restricts your movement, it can make your inactive joints become stiff and ache more.
How to Reduce Weather-Induced Joint Pain
Here are some tips for relief from weather-induced joint pain:
- Stay active: Use exercises like Yoga, Pilates, and Swimming, which put less pressure on the joints, to build up muscle strength.
- Keep yourself warm: When the external temperature drops, take a warm shower to stay warm. Wear warm socks and gloves. Dress in layers in the daytime and increase the heat in your home at night or sleep with an electric blanket. Use a heat pack for your joints as needed.
- Stay hydrated: Proper hydration is crucial to keep your cartilage strong and healthy. When you are dehydrated, your sensitivity to pain increases.
- Perform Stretching Exercises: Start with stretches that will warm up your muscles and decompress your joint space.
How Can I Prevent Joint Pains Due to Rain?
Physical Therapy can help you overcome your joint pains and show you how you can continue to enjoy good muscle strength and effective joint mobility.
If you are experiencing joint pain, inflammation, or stiffness, Call Respire Physical Therapy at 703-671-1871 to schedule an evaluation today!
Tags: arthritic pain, falls church, alexandria, arlington, rain, Arthritis, joint stiffness, Arthritis Pain, Physical Therapy, physical therapist
