It is always believed that when it’s very cold out there many people feel increased intensity of joint pain. My granny was used to tell me that the winter is going to come! Just because her knees was paining. Seems funny but this was nothing but the climate change pain in her arthritic joint.
It is believed that fall in barometric pressure causes increased joint pain. But why it is like that?
Basically there would be three ideas behind that
- Fall in barometric pressure causes pain in arthritic joint. This may be due to torn cartilage. Torn cartilage exposes the nerve endings of the bone. And this would get stimulated due to decreased pressure or cold air outside
- Another idea is a decline in barometric pressure causes tendons, muscles, ligaments and scar to contract and relax. This would make you feel pain. Low temperatures can also make the fluid inside joints thicker, so they feel stiffer.
- You might also feel more pain when the weather keeps you from moving around as much as you typically do. People tend to stay indoors and lounge around more when it’s cold and rainy outside, and inactive joints can get stiff and painful.
There are several studies to evaluate relationship between pain and atmosphere but they are still finding the correct relation. Science has no sure results that why some people feel pain when temperature falls.
But even though the science isn’t clear, flare-ups when the weather turns are very real for many people with joint pain. Some people’s bodies may just be more sensitive to changes in the weather. Many people say they find relief in warmer climates, but again, there’s no scientific proof that it will ease your aches.
How to take care of joints when climate turns different?
- If you feel colder and pain then star wearing warm clothes and keep your home with good heat. Wear socks gloves too. Don’t forget to on electric blanket during night hours (If anyone has).
- Try hot packs over paining joints. Heating joints will relieve the stress on soft tissues of joint and provides relaxation.
- Ask your doctor for better medications (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs/painkillers)
- Stay active during that season. Activity with low intensity is advisable for arthritic joint pain. Don’t weigh high. Exercise regularly so your muscles would get good quality strength. But don’t forget to stretch first then start with the exercises
- Don’t give extra loads on joints. Straining your joints will make you feel more trouble.
