If you live with arthritis, you may have noticed that your joints seem more painful or stiff when the weather changes.
Cold, damp or rainy days are commonly blamed for worsening arthritis symptoms, and many people are convinced they can tell when the weather is about to change simply by how their joints feel.
But is there actually a connection between weather and arthritis?
What is arthritis?
Arthritis isn’t a single condition. The term covers a large number of conditions that affect the joints and surrounding tissues.
Two of the most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the UK.
It involves changes within the whole joint, including cartilage, bone and surrounding tissues. It becomes more common with age, although previous injury, genetics and other factors can also increase the likelihood of developing it.
Common symptoms include joint pain, stiffness and reduced movement. The knees, hips and hands are frequently affected.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks tissues lining the joints.
This causes inflammation and can result in pain, swelling and stiffness.
Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis can also affect other parts of the body and usually requires ongoing medical management.
Does damp weather really affect arthritis?
Research into the relationship between weather and joint pain has produced mixed results, but there is evidence that changes in weather may influence symptoms for some people.
Studies have investigated factors including:
- Relative humidity
- Barometric pressure
- Temperature
- Wind
- Rainfall
Some have found associations between particular weather conditions and increased pain, while others have found little or no meaningful relationship.
One of the difficulties is that arthritis varies considerably between individuals. A weather change that seems to affect one person’s symptoms may make no difference to somebody else.
So if you genuinely feel that your joints are worse on cold or damp days, you’re certainly not alone – but scientists still don’t fully understand why this happens.
Why might joints feel worse in bad weather?
There are several theories, but no single explanation has been conclusively established.
Changes in atmospheric pressure and temperature may potentially influence the way joints and surrounding tissues feel.
There may also be a simpler behavioural explanation.
When it’s cold, wet and dark outside, we’re often less active. Spending more time sitting indoors can result in greater stiffness, particularly if a joint is already affected by arthritis.
Cold weather can also make muscles feel tighter, which may contribute to the overall feeling of discomfort.
Keep moving
One of the most useful things you can do for many forms of arthritis is to remain appropriately active.
Regular movement can help maintain:
- Joint mobility
- Muscle strength
- Balance
- General fitness
- Confidence in movement
Walking, swimming, cycling, strength exercises, Pilates and other forms of activity can all be possibilities depending on your individual circumstances.
You don’t necessarily need to stop exercising because a joint has arthritis. The type, intensity and amount of exercise may simply need to be adapted.
Keep warm
If you find cold weather aggravates your symptoms, keeping yourself warm may help you feel more comfortable.
Warm clothing, gloves and appropriate footwear can make getting outside more appealing during the winter.
Some people also find warmth from a bath, shower or heat pack temporarily soothing for stiff or aching joints.
Can osteopathy help someone with arthritis?
Osteopathy doesn’t cure or reverse arthritis.
However, an osteopath may be able to help with some of the musculoskeletal symptoms associated with arthritis, such as pain, stiffness and reduced movement.
An osteopathic assessment may consider not only the affected joint but also how surrounding areas are moving and functioning.
Depending on the individual, treatment may include:
- Gentle joint mobilisation
- Soft-tissue techniques
- Movement and exercise advice
- Advice about managing everyday activities
At The Form Practice we also have K-Laser and INDIBA therapy, which may be considered for some musculoskeletal problems where appropriate.
When should you seek medical advice?
If you develop persistent joint pain, swelling or stiffness and haven’t been diagnosed with arthritis, it’s sensible to speak to your GP.
Medical assessment is particularly important if a joint becomes suddenly very painful, hot or significantly swollen, or if you’re feeling generally unwell.
If you already have inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis and your symptoms change significantly, contact your GP or rheumatology team.
Help with joint pain in Cambridge
At The Form Practice in Hardwick, Cambridge, our practitioners work with people experiencing a wide range of musculoskeletal problems, including pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis.
If joint pain or stiffness is making everyday activities more difficult, you can book an osteopathy appointment to discuss your symptoms and the options that may be appropriate for you.