Relationship of the weather with joint pain

Arabia's weather - Arthritis pain is the joint pain that accompanies several chronic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and reactive arthritis. Many feel that joint pain, or arthritis pain, is most intense during the winter. Arthritis pain is a chronic pain that lasts throughout the year, but winter and cold weather may exacerbate symptoms or increase pain attacks. The effect of cold weather on joint pain can be attributed to many factors, including:

• air pressure
• Humidity
• the heat

However, this relationship remains complex and ambiguous, so it is not possible to indicate a certain factor that exacerbates joint pain during winter or in cold weather. In one study of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, it was found that every decrease in temperature or barometric pressure by 10 degrees was associated with an increase in joint pain.

In contrast, some studies have shown no relationship between air condition and arthritis pain. For example, one of the largest studies in arthritis patients found no increased pain attacks on rainy days compared to dry days. Nevertheless, many patients believe that their joint pain increases with cold weather, so it is advisable to research this relationship in a broader and more precise manner.

Arthritis pain and air pressure

One of the explanations for the increase in the frequency of arthritis pain during winter is that the joints are affected by changes in barometric pressure, as it is believed that the wear of cartilage in the joints leaves the nerves in the bones of these joints exposed, making them vulnerable to changes in air pressure. Also, some believe that there is an impact of pressure changes on tendons and muscles that make them expand and contract, causing joint pain in people with arthritis. One study in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip showed an association between increased joint pain and both air pressure and air humidity.

Arthritis pain and temperature

There is a common belief that lower temperatures are associated with increased episodes of arthritis pain, and while the relationship between them is still not completely clear, it may be attributed to the effect of cold on increasing the thickness of the fluid that moisturizes the joints, leading to rougher joints that cause pain to the sufferer. In addition, the lack of movement and staying at home to avoid the freezing cold may exacerbate the problem and increase joint stiffness. Also, the amount of blood flowing towards the extremities in a cold condition is less, which makes the joints more stiff and generates a feeling of discomfort in the patient.

Arthritis pain and vitamin D.

The sun is the main source of vitamin D, which is one of the most important vitamins for bone health, as it is advised to be exposed to sunlight for several minutes during the middle of the day to get an adequate amount of the vitamin. Low vitamin D levels lead to pain in the joints and muscles, and people may be susceptible to this decrease during the winter due to the decreased strength of the sun's rays. Therefore, you may need to take a vitamin D supplement after consulting your doctor to reach the recommended vitamin level.

Tips for caring for joint pain during winter

Joint pain is a chronic pain that cannot be treated definitively, but the incidence of pain attacks can be reduced and relieved through drug therapy and following some preventive measures, such as:

Always keep yourself warm during the winter by:

• Wear warm clothing, including winter hats, gloves, and socks
• Take a warm bath
• The house warms up well
• Wearing waterproof shoes to avoid wet feet
• Wearing several layers of clothing to retain body heat

You can try home remedies to soothe the pain of arthritis, such as the Paraffin bath, which involves warming the hands and feet by placing them in a warm waxy substance.

You can also use painkillers to get rid of arthritis pain, after consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Be sure to do light sports to avoid joint stiffness, maintain muscle strength and flexibility, and relieve pain, including:

• Swimming
• Yoga
• Walking
• Aerobic
• Dance
• Stretching exercises

Avoid heavy exercise without increasing the difficulty and duration of exercise.

Make sure to find a suitable position that does not cause pressure on the joints when performing various activities.

Maintain your weight within the limits appropriate for your height, as excess weight may increase stress on joints and exacerbate pain.

Avoid lifting heavy objects.

Ensure that you follow a healthy lifestyle in terms of diet, and get enough food