How to Handle Joint Pain During Weather Changes?

Do you feel stiff and sore when the clouds begin to gather or with a sudden drop in the temperature? If you are nodding to this question, you aren’t alone.

Many people with joint pain experience aches with a change in weather.

But have you ever wondered why this happens and how you can deal with it?

If you’ve already, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s understand the reason for joint pain, as the weather changes and how you can handle it.

Why Do Your Joints Hurt When the Weather Changes?

So, let’s understand why it happens – in not-so-technical language.

• Barometric Pressure: It is the weight of the air around you. The barometric pressure drops when a cold wave or a storm approaches. As the pressure drops, the body tissues expand, exerting pressure on the nerves, and making the joints ache. Think of it as a balloon inflating inside a restricted space.
• Contraction During the Cold Season: Colder temperatures can thicken the synovial fluid in your joints, making them feel stiffer. Besides, your muscles and connective tissues contract in the cold, potentially pulling the already sensitive joints.
• Intensifying Swelling in Humid Conditions: Have you ever seen swelling worse in humid weather conditions? It is normal during highly humid weather. Why? Heat and humidity can expand the blood vessels, increasing blood flow and fluid pressure in the tissues, resulting in fluid retention.
• Lack of Activity: Gloomy or unpleasant weather often affects activity. Such reduced movements results in stiffness and causes the joints to weaken.

How to Control Joint Pain When the Weather Changes?

You cannot control changes in the weather. But you can surely curtail the intensity of joint pain. Here are some generic, yet effective ways to do it.

• Stay Active (Even if the Weather and Pain Discourage You!)

You may feel like staying curled under your blanket during overcast or chilling conditions.

While that feels good, it can worsen the pain. The more active you are, the lesser the pain.

Even light movements can help. Gentle stretching, Yogasan, or take a short stroll indoors. How will it help? It will keep the blood flowing and curtail stiffness.

You don’t have to indulge in rigorous movements. Listen to your body if it isn’t in the mood for those heavy or aggressive moves. So, keep it light on a cold or damp day.

• Remain Warm and Flexible

Avoid exposing your joints to the weather. Stay dressed in layers even if you are indoors. Maintain a comfortable body temperature that keeps pain and discomfort to a minimum.

Additionally, you can apply warm compresses to take a warm shower to soothe aching joints and relax your muscles a little. You may also use heating pads to keep yourself warm.

• Watch Your Diet and Stay Hydrated

What you eat also impacts your joint health and condition during weather variations.

While individual diet specifications vary, anti-inflammatory foods prove to be helpful.

Those rich in Omega-3 fatty acids like flaxseeds or fatty fish, antioxidants, and other anti-inflammatory ingredients can help.

Alongside, you must drink enough water to stay hydrated, help maintain the cartilage elasticity, and keep the joints lubed.

Manage Pain with Pain Management Strategies

However, some popular and generic pain management techniques include the following.

• Supplements: Consider exploring options like glucosamine and chondroitin and their suitability in your case to manage your pain.
• Over-the-counter relief: You can even look at NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) or acetaminophen to manage acute pain.
• Doctor Consultation: If your pain is severe or persistent, you must consult a doctor who will provide a piece of more personalized advice, stronger medications, or suggest other therapies, depending on your condition.

• Manage Stress

Why blame the weather alone? Stress can also exacerbate joint pain significantly.

Accordingly, indulging in meditation, deep breathing, and or gentle Yogasan can help you control your stress levels and pain.

Besides, ensure you get enough sleep, no matter whether it is cold or hot outside. Allow your joints to relax and revitalize through a good night’s sleep.

Want a More Personalized Prescription to Manage Joint Pain During Weather Changes?

Visit Ranka Hospital. We are a multi-specialty hospital with orthopedic treatment and support. Our team comprises experienced orthopedic doctors under the leadership of renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ramesh Ranka. To date, we’ve treated thousands of joint pain cases successfully, helping them manage pain and strengthen their joints.

Want to know more or book an appointment? Call us at +91 – 20 – 24261530.