Arthritis is a very common condition characterized by joint inflammation that affects millions of individuals each year. Any person living with arthritis can attest to the pain, swelling, stiffness, and discomfort resulting from this condition. These individuals also understand the daily reality of how small changes in your lifestyle or surroundings, such as weather, can make a significant impact on their joints.
It’s commonly thought that cold temperatures lead to increased pain for joints, but is that the truth?
Let’s debunk some of the most common arthritis myths relating to winter weather:
Myth: Cold Temperatures Cause Arthritis To Worsen
While many people living with arthritis notice increased pain and discomfort in their joints during the winter and cold weather, the reason isn’t the temperature. As the atmospheric pressure drops when winter rolls around, this pressure change can cause your joints to swell more than usual, leading to increased pain.
Myth: There Is No Way To Help Your Arthritis During Winter
There are several measures you can take to help protect your joints from winter weather and help minimize your pain and swelling:
- Stay indoors as much as possible
- Remain active and find new ways to get your body moving
- Eat anti-inflammatory foods such as green leafy vegetables
- Apply cooling products such as lotions and creams
- Keep hydrated
Don’t forget to speak with your doctor about other ways to care for and treat your arthritis pain and swelling.
Myth: High Humidity Relieves Joint Pain
It’s actually the opposite! High humidity has been shown to cause pain in your joints, just like low atmospheric pressure. This combination of environmental conditions often occurs before a storm, so people with arthritis may notice increased joint swelling as a storm approaches.
Myth: Only Older Adults With Arthritis Are Affected By The Weather
Commonly, arthritis is thought of as a disease that only affects old people, but with over 100 different types of arthritis and related conditions, individuals of all ages are affected. Those with more intense arthritis may notice more pain and swelling due to low atmospheric pressure and high humidity in the air, though that doesn’t necessarily mean this is only the case for older people.
Santa Rosa Orthopaedics
SRO’s Orthopaedic doctors offer knowledge and skills to address your joint problems. If you have questions, concerns, pain, or any other symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek orthopedic care. We offer our patients quality orthopedic care for arthritic pain through nonsurgical and surgical treatments.
