The relationship between the weather and joint pain
Many people with rheumatism and other joint disorders will recognize it: joints that become stiffer and more painful when it gets cold, starts to rain or thunderstorms approach. In warm weather, the joint pain seems to decrease again. It is even said that these people, because of their sensitivity, can predict bad weather.
In this blog we will tell you more about joint pain when the weather changes and we will give you a number of tips that can help you reduce painful joints caused by the cold.
Humid weather worsens joint pain
A rainy day doesn't make anyone happy, but people with chronic pain, such as rheumatism, often experience additional discomfort on these days. They have a increased risk of 20% experiencing joint pain. This also applies to high humidity, high winds and low air pressure.
This could be caused by the fact that bones and muscles are different density to have. During fluctuations in temperature and humidity, joints and muscles may not stretch or contract evenly, which can worsen pain.
What about hot and cold weather?
Cold weather is a culprit for people with joint pain. Various studies show that symptoms of rheumatism worsen in cold weather or when there is a sudden drop in temperature. In winter, many people often suffer more from pain and stiffness. This could be because there is reduced blood flow in cold weather.
In addition, the fluid that lubricates our joints thickens in cold weather, making our joints stiffer and stiffer are more sensitive to pain. Finally, we are usually less active in cold weather. Because we move less, our muscles become stiffer and more painful.
Summer, on the other hand, is beneficial for people with joint pain. They generally have fewer complaints when temperatures rise. This may be because the heat causes better blood circulation, which reduces pain and stiffness. However, when the heat is accompanied by high humidity, this can actually worsen the complaints.
What can you do yourself?
It is of course extremely annoying when you have pain joints when the weather changes. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to reduce joint pain in cold weather or joint pain in warm weather. We will therefore give you a number of tips that will hopefully help you with this.
- Check the weather forecasts
Although you cannot change the weather, you can prepare and make the necessary adjustments early to better deal with changing weather conditions.
- Customize your home
Make sure your home is warm and comfortable. Raise the thermostat or use a space heater to regulate the temperature. Also prepare a warm blanket so you can snuggle under it.
- Keep yourself warm
It is important to make sure you stay warm. For example, choose a nice warm sweater, wear thick socks or a warm scarf.
- Stay active
Despite the cold outside or the pain you experience, it is important to keep moving. Choose light exercises such as walking or yoga to keep your joints flexible.
- Take a warm shower or bath
Give yourself a warm shower or bath for about twenty minutes. This ensures improved blood circulation and at the same time provides a mild massage for your joints.
- Consider supplements
You may want to consider taking supplements that can help reduce inflammation or improve the health of your joints. Consider vitamin D or omega-3. In addition, it is advisable to have one joint cream to use. This cream contains high-quality and effective ingredients and should be applied to the area where you experience pain, so it can provide immediate relief from joint pain in cold weather and joint pain in warm weather.