It’s a bit of a trope: A character in a film or book claims to know the weather is changing because of the way their joints feel. But science can’t quite agree if the weather directly affects your joints, or if other factors are involved — or even if both weather and behavior affect joint pain.
The Arthritis Foundation refers to studies that have found that high humidity — no matter what the temperature — can make joint pain worse. Air pressure (i.e., barometric pressure) and wind speed also seem to count.
But a recent study of 15,000 participants didn’t find a connection between weather and joint pain, with the exception of gout pain. Instead, they suggest that changes to your behavior based on temperature and other weather-related factors may be more important.
Our expert rheumatologists and medical providers at the Rheumatology Center of New Jersey trust the science, but they also trust your perceptions. If cold weather makes your joints feel worse, we want to help them feel better.
We offer arthritis treatment at offices in Monroe, Flemington, and Somerville, New Jersey, no matter what the weather. We also offer you a few tips to take care of your joints as the temperature plummets.
One possible mechanism for worsened joint pain to cold weather is your body’s own response to low temperatures. Shivering and tightening your muscles to keep your body temperature high may put pressure on your joints that worsens your pain.
So layer up as the weather cools down. Thermal underwear, tights, undershirts, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and long skirts can keep you warm and toasty. Top those off with outer layers, including sweaters, coats, hats, scarves, and boots.
Multiple layers are preferable to a big, bulky sweater. That way you can also shed the layers once you get inside, especially if the room is overheated. Just remember to bundle up again before heading outside.
Humidity is one of those weather-related elements that keeps popping up in studies as a factor in joint pain. Although you may associate high humidity with balmy summers, it gets humid in winter, too, which may make the temperature feel lower than it is.
Make sure your boots or shoes are waterproof. Your outer garments should be water-resistant so cold rain, snow, or sleet doesn’t seep through and chill your joints.
Resist the urge to hibernate during the winter months. Even though sleety sidewalks and gray, oppressive skies aren’t exactly inviting, make a point of keeping up with your regular exercise and activity routines.
The worst thing for your joints — far worse than any weather — is inactivity. That’s why you may wake up creaky and stiff in the morning. You didn’t exactly take a stroll or go to the gym as you slept.
Moving your joints helps keep them flexible and comfortable. When you move your joints by walking, dancing, running, or any other activity, a special tissue called the synovium releases a lubricating fluid. So don’t take a break from the gym: Get out there and give your joints the synovial fluid they crave.
Cold temperatures and gloomy days may find you reaching for comfort foods that can wreak havoc on your joints. Resist the urge to regress to unhealthy eating habits, and make a new commitment to focus on anti-inflammatory, nourishing foods. That means cut the junk food, the alcohol, and the sugar.
To keep warm and cozy, make warm meals, such as soups and stews, a priority. You can also have warm drinks, such as unsugared teas and coffee to warm yourself after an outdoor trek.
Holiday travel can make eating healthy more challenging. Resolve to give up quick fixes to focus on vegetables, healthy grains, healthy fats, and lean sources of protein.
Don’t forget to hydrate, too. Even though you may not sweat as much in the winter and don’t naturally grab your water bottle, it’s still important to get enough water to keep your body — and your joints — functioning optimally.
If your joint pain crimps your style despite your best efforts, we’re here to help you feel more comfortable. If you’re about to head off for holiday travels, we can refill your prescriptions or give you treatments such as platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy to keep you comfortable when on the go.
Don’t let winter worsen your arthritis pain. Get a customized treatment plan by calling our helpful team or booking an appointment online today. We serve Monroe, Flemington, and Somerville, New Jersey, and surrounding areas.
