Does weather affect your joints?
We all heard about “weather ankle”, “weather knee” and other joints that are more creaky with temperature changes, humidity and general alteration in atmospheric conditions. I am asked this question in an office a lot. Some patients are shy about revealing it and attributing that perhaps to old wives tales.
However, you may be into something if you experience this phenomenon yourself. The joint is a very well protected chamber and just like any physical structure will be sensitive, through receptors in skin and other surrounding areas, joint included, to changes in the pressure inside and outside of the tissues. Joints are also filled with fluid and nearby structures have gas that can change tension as well. The tissues are susceptible to outside tensions too, and that is why if weather changes, you may experience more symptomatic, achy and stiff joints. Some folks may be more sensitive to that phenomenon than others and only you can understand how your body functions at any given time.
What do you do with that? First of all it is good to observe your body and make sure nothing else is going on. For example, joints may hurt a lot when you come up with cold or fever. If the situation is just a “creaky weather joint” the best you can do is mild movement and regular physical activity. Gentle massage or compress may soothe tissues as well.
It is always good idea to talk to healthcare professional that knows you if situation is getting out of control and making you uncomfortable.
And if you would like to find out more scientific data on the subject follow this link.
You may be more prone to weather related joint pain if you have osteoarthritis, the condition I wrote about before. Follow this link to ACR website to understand the condition better and get helpful tips from rheumatology professional organization.
Fall is just around the corner. Take advantage of lovely weather and still long days to take a healthy hike, walk or jog in the nearby park.
Interaction with nature may have benefit for your general health and well-being.
