The Relationship Between Cold Weather and Arthritis Pain

​Many arthritis pain sufferers experience a correlation between cold weather and an increase in symptoms. Their joints become more stiff, swollen, and painful as temperature drops. Research backs up these patient reports, with hospitalization for arthritis reaching its highest rates in the autumn.1

There may be more to the link between cold weather and arthritis than just temperature. Some people even feel the effects as a cold front approaches, before there is a change in temperature, but why?

How Does Weather Affect Arthritis?

There is a proven relationship between humidity and arthritis-related joint pain in cold weather.2 Changes in barometric pressure related to weather also seem to cause aches in arthritic joints which goes away when the high- or low-pressure front has passed.

On the flip side, studies show that the swollen joints and pain associated with arthritis are diminished on dry and sunny days.3 These studies confirm what most patients already know, that they have more joint pain in cold and damp weather.

While the mechanisms that cause this increased inflammation and swelling are complex, the results are painfully obvious.
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Signs That the Weather May Be Aggravating Your Arthritis

When cold or damp weather causes a flare-up, the soft tissues surrounding the affected joints becomes inflamed. This causes a gradual or sudden increase in symptoms, including:

• Pain in the joint, especially under pressure or strain
  
• Redness, swelling, and tenderness around the joint
  
• Grinding, clicking, or cracking of the cartilage inside the joint
  
• Increased stiffness and loss of motion
  
• Additional weakness and instability in the joint, which in combination with icy conditions may cause an increased risk of falls or injury
  
• Fatigue, overall discomfort, and loss of appetite
  

Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis show increased symptoms and pain in cold weather. Turning to medication when the weather turns cold may offer some relief, but many patients find that chiropractic care can help reduce the inflammation and joint pain of arthritis.

Chiropractic Care Can Combat the Cold

​Your chiropractor does much more than treat lumbar pain and stiff necks. Regular adjustments and specialized techniques can help reduce inflammation and improve circulation, helping you recover from a cold-related flare-up faster.

As an experienced arthritis chiropractor, Dr. Matt will create a customized treatment plan to improve joint function and relieve pain, which may include:

• Treating an existing subluxation to restore skeletal alignment and nervous system function.
• Gentle adjustment of the arthritic joint to increase circulation and treat pain.
• Soft tissue manipulation and massage to relieve muscle spasms and reduce inflammation.
• Recommended exercises to slowly increase range of motion and maintain joint flexibility.

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A Warm Place to Find Wellness

Here at McCann Family Chiropractic you will find a warm and compassionate team dedicated to your wellness and quality of life. Weather is just one of the environmental stressors that can trigger chronic pain, fatigue, and discomfort. By putting yourself in our caring hands, we provide the right support for whole body healing.

There are a number of supportive and natural treatments that can reduce arthritis symptoms and help slow disease progression. If cold-related arthritis pain is impacting your life, contact us for an appointment before the next stormfront blows in!

Sources:

1. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10067-015-3042-7
   
2. http://www.jrheum.org/content/42/10/1885.short
   
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25342437