Mailbag: Does Weather REALLY Affect Joint Pain?

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted April 2, 2024

“I feel like I notice more pain on certain days than others. Could the weather affect my arthritis?”

– Ann

Hi Ann,

Undoubtedly, people feel differences in pain when the weather changes. For many folks with arthritis, rainy days are the problem. For others, a cold snap can leave them limping.

But exactly why this happens is a bit of a mystery.

Several studies have looked into the link between weather and arthritis pain. The research so far has produced mixed results, but several weather-related factors make many of us feel achier and more uncomfortable:

• Barometric pressure: Some research found that lower barometric pressure is associated with more intense arthritis pain. Drops in pressure may trigger the expansion of tissues around joints.
• Temperature: Colder temperatures can stiffen joints and muscles, making arthritis pain feel worse on cold days. On the other hand, heat has been shown to ease and relax muscles and joints in some arthritis sufferers.
• Humidity: Increased relative humidity seems connected with increased reports of pain from arthritis sufferers. The reason why dampness would aggravate joints is still under investigation.
• Precipitation: Some folks with arthritis report more pain when rain, snow, or other wet weather moves in.

However, how weather impacts our perceptions of pain or discomfort varies greatly from person to person. Not every arthritis patient is affected in the same way.

The fact that there are links between the weather and arthritis flare-ups shows how complicated we are. But, being prepared with some self-care strategies when the weather that affects YOU is in the forecast can help head off the pain.

Some common home remedies that have helped other folks ease arthritis pain include a heating pad, a warm bath or shower, light massage, ice packs (a bag of frozen veggies wrapped in a towel works well), paraffin wax dips, or a swim in you have access to a pool.

P.S. Supplements could help head off the pain even before it STARTS. Here are my top SEVEN choices for wiping out arthritis aches and pain.

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

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