Why is arthritis worse in cold weather

In fact, some swear blind they can even predict a drop in mercury simply by the increase in swelling and pain in their joints. But is there any truth to this notion that stiff and sore joints flare up when temperatures fall?

And if so, what's causing it? While it's a topic that's been explored in a large number of scientific studies, the results have been mixed, says Deakin University pain expert Dr Michael Vagg. One aspect of cool weather that's been argued could affect joints is barometric pressure — the force exerted by the weight of the atmosphere. Some researchers have proposed that a drop in barometric pressure, which tends to accompany cooler, damper weather, could allow tissues in joints to swell and put pressure on nerves that control pain signals.

Dr Vagg says an alternative idea, with more evidence behind it, is that bodily changes triggered by cooler weather have the side effect of amplifying pain signals from joints. Many arthritis sufferers have pain that persists, despite having joints that are not extensively damaged, he says. One proven reason for this is that their nervous system is essentially "misbehaving"; pain signals travelling along nerves from their joint are amplified in the brain by signals carried on separate nerves called sympathetic nerves.

These sympathetic nerves are part of the body's system for maintaining its internal functioning without us having to think about it. When it's cold, these nerves constrict blood vessels in the limbs, to minimise heat loss and help keep warm the core of the body, where vital organs are. But the increased activation of these nerves around joints in response to cold weather might also lead to an increase in the pain a person feels, Dr Vagg argues.

But before you sell up and move to warmer climes, consider this: there's no denying a number of other things happen when the weather turns cool. The good news is that there are ways to find some relief from the pain of arthritis in addition to prescription or over-the-counter medications.

Dressing warmly not only makes Mom happy, it goes a long way in lessening the aches and pains caused by arthritis. Some other dressing tips include:. Not to a warmer climate, although that might be tempting.

Lack of physical activity causes the joints to become stiff and sore. That's why when you first wake up in the morning it takes a while to get moving. If you exercise first thing in the morning, make sure to stretch and move around a little bit before you begin to loosen up those joints and prevent muscle damage. Walking is an excellent exercise to keep the joints mobile.

Not only are those mall walkers taking care of their hearts, but they receive the additional benefit of increasing their overall strength and flexibility in their muscles and joints. The weather might put you off doing long outdoor walks but there are many indoor options for low-impact, weight-bearing exercises, like doing a yoga class," Chikusu adds. They are designed to help ease aches and pains by stretching the joints and muscles in your body.

Strengthening exercises help you to strengthen your muscles so they can support your joints. You may want to try Pilates to help strengthen muscles and improve posture.

Another exercise that's good for the joints, especially if you're in severe pain, is swimming or pool-based exercises, March adds. That's because the water takes the weight of your body and allows you to move with less pressure on your joints.

The NHS recommends we get 30 minutes of exercise five days a week, but if that's too painful to begin with try breaking it down into sessions lasting minutes. Any amount of movement to keep your joints supple will be beneficial. Had partial left shoulder tear. It no longer hurt and I was able to do some things but not what I had been doing. Doctor suggested stem cells and prp. Had it a month ago and am I constant pain and it Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions.

High barometric pressure that pushes against the body from the outside keeps tissues from expanding. As the tissues expand, they put more pressure on nerves that control pain signals.

Therefore even individuals who live in drier climates also reported feeling more pain with weather changes. During winter dressing warmly is the key. Paying special attention to the head, hands and feet, as majority of heat is lost from the body's extremities. Some helpful winter dressing tips include:. We have an instinct during winter to hibernate; however, a lack of physical activity will cause joints to become stiff. Exercise eases arthritis pain.