Joint pain and stiffness brought on by weather changes aren’t just an old wive’s tale. They are definitely a real occurrence, especially during cold times of year like we’re experiencing right now in Tulsa. Any time there is a weather system moving through the area, the related air pressure changes are often felt in arthritic joints, injured joints, and bones. The older population tends to be more sensitive to this phenomenon.
Just like air pressure changes cause people to experience migraine headaches, joints are also affected in a similar manner. If the joint is already injured, the pressure increase has a magnified effect. Joints are filled with a fluid that helps them to stay lubricated and loose. When you move, this fluid reduces the friction between joints and prevents discomfort.
Similar to how cold weather affects the oil in your car, the fluid in the joints becomes more viscous and takes a while to get warmed up and lubricating properly. It’s common to hear people say that their knees or back take a while to get going in the morning when it’s cold outside. They might even be good at predicting the weather because their knees will hurt right before it starts to rain.
There is a level of acclimation that people will eventually develop due to regular air pressure changes. Someone who has lived in the same cold climate their whole life won’t feel as much discomfort as someone who has arthritis that has progressed for many years who recently moved to a colder area. It would probably take several winters before they became accustomed to the cold climate. This is one example of how our bodies are very good at adapting to environmental changes (to a certain extent).
There is a high population of retirees who move to warmer climates. Aside from enjoying the benefits of retirement, they don’t they don’t experience as much pain as a result of cold weather. For everyone else, weather induced joint discomfort is mainly about symptom management. If someone gets up in the morning knowing that air pressure is affecting them, they can warm their joints with a shower, bath, or some light exercise.
For people who have arthritis and swelling of the joint, heat is not the best treatment. They may prefer to use compression sleeves instead. You’ll see these frequently at the gym—people who work out wear these because they provide a great deal of support. They also combat the air pressure changes, help blood circulation, and keep some of the inflammation out of the joint as well.
If you would like to learn more ways to manage weather induced joint pain, contact us online or give us a call at (918) 743-3737.
Podcast: Play in new window
