Does Weather Affect Arthritis? Understanding Barometric Pressure and Pain

In many places, spring is known as a time for rain, and summer is a time for humidity. Both of these seasons can be challenging for arthritis sufferers because the weather has a significant impact on how the joints feel and perform.

Studies have revealed contradictory evidence about why the connection between weather and arthritis exists. However, many people notice undeniable changes in how they feel depending on what’s going on outside.

This article provides an explanation about why humidity and rain affect arthritis symptoms and how arthritis sufferers can find relief.

With a better understanding of how weather affects pain and the connection between barometric pressure and pain, individuals may be able to manage symptoms better and live the lives they want.

Spring Rain & Arthritis Pain: Changes in Barometric Pressure and Joint Pain

Many research studies have pointed to changes in temperature and barometric pressure as causes for arthritis pain.1,2,3 Both rising and falling barometric pressure have been linked to arthritis symptoms. However, low barometric pressure, especially when it occurs just before a storm, often means that arthritis sufferers experience uncomfortable pressure in their joints. Back pain and knee pain are particularly common among people who experience arthritis pain before storms arrive.

But to the contrary, arthritis patients who move to dry climates rarely experience total relief after leaving wet and humid places.6 There is no definite scientific consensus as to why weather affects arthritis pain, but there is a good chance that symptoms will travel along wherever an individual decides to move to.

Summer Humidity & Arthritis Pain

Similarly, many arthritis sufferers report feeling more arthritis pain when the air is filled with humidity. This could be because the body’s tendons, ligaments, and muscles expand when humidity rises and barometric pressure drops.4

Some studies also show that high humidity levels can cause sweating and dehydration which can make the blood thicker, which increases blood pressure in the blood vessels and makes the body work more to pump blood through the body.5,6 Humid days can also cause the body to become dehydrated, which can decrease the concentration of fluid around the joints and create more joint pain.6

Managing Weather Aches & Barometric Pressure Pains

Unfortunately, arthritis symptoms will likely persist no matter what the weather conditions are or what climate one lives in. It is important to stay well-hydrated, especially if the weather is rainy or humid, to keep the joints internally lubricated. It may seem that outside moisture would find its way into the body, but that is not necessarily the case.

In a similar way, swimming is a great exercise for arthritis sufferers to loosen up sore joints despite the weather.7 Swimming laps at an indoor pool or joining a water therapy program8,9 can make a huge difference for arthritis sufferers during rainy and humid seasons. It may seem counter intuitive to immerse the body in water when excess moisture in the air may be causing symptoms to worsen. But low-impact exercises like swimming can actually make a big difference for a joint’s range of motion over time. For immediate relief, over-the-counter arthritis creams like JointFlex can help arthritis sufferers enjoy the changing of seasons with less pain and discomfort. Individuals who suffer from weather-related arthritis symptoms should contact their doctors to discuss over-the-counter treatment options.

Many people are familiar with what rheumatoid arthritis is and the joint pain that it causes.¹ But polyarticular rheumatoid arthritis is the specific form of this disease that affects multiple joints.² In fact, this condition is defined as having pain in four, five, or more joints. Here are some key facts to know about polyarticular rheumatoid arthritis and its relationship to rheumatoid arthritis.

How Polyarticular Rheumatoid Arthritis Relates to Rheumatoid Arthritis

The term “oligoarticular” describes pain involving less than four joints.³ However, “polyarticular” is defined as having pain in multiple joints, at least four or five. This type of pain can be caused by inflammatory disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. It can also be caused by noninflammatory disorders and hypermobility syndromes.

It is very possible to have a chronic polyarticular form of rheumatoid arthritis. However, acute polyarticular arthritis is more often due to a viral infection or gout.^4,5,6 Both children and adults can develop polyarticular arthritis.

Joints Affected by Polyarticular Rheumatoid Arthritis

Polyarticular arthritis often involves peripheral joints and axial joints.⁷ The knee, hip, ankle, shoulder, and elbow are all examples of peripheral joints. Several of these joints can be simultaneously painful for someone suffering from polyarticular arthritis.

Meanwhile, rheumatoid arthritis typically affects the hands and feet more than anything else. Since rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, it occurs when the immune system attacks the body and can also affect the heart, lungs, and blood vessels.¹

Diagnosing Polyarticular Arthritis

It is important for physicians to correctly diagnose polyarticular arthritis by distinguishing between true articular pain and non-articular or periarticular conditions.^2,8 Physicians must also be able to tell the difference between polyarticular pain that originates from inflammation and pain that does not.

A proper review of the symptoms should make this distinction clear and guide the method of treatment recommended. Laboratory tests may be required to evaluate antinuclear antibodies, C-reactive protein, serum uric acid, synovial fluid, and infection.

Treatments for Polyarticular Rheumatoid Arthritis

Immunosuppression and antibiotics are recommended for individuals who have systemic inflammatory diseases causing the polyarticular arthritis.⁹ Joint inflammation can be treated with NSAIDs,^2,8  such as ibuprofen, and joint pain can be soothed by arthritis creams like JointFlex. Acetaminophen may also help to treat pain that is not accompanied by inflammation.

Immobilizing affected joints with splints or slings can help reduce pressure.² However, continued physical activity is recommended for chronic polyarticular rheumatoid arthritis sufferers to prevent stiffness and maintain good range of motion.

Living with Polyarticular Rheumatoid Arthritis

Ultimately, the big distinction between polyarticular arthritis and other forms of the disease are the number of joints affected. Whether joint pain is one-sided of symmetrical and whether extra-articular symptoms are present are also key factors in diagnosing this condition.

The recommended treatments vary greatly from one patient to the next because of the different joints that can be affected and the combinations of joints experiencing pain. In cases of polyarticular rheumatoid arthritis, multiple joints in the hands, fingers, feet, and toes are often affected, which can make daily tasks a challenge. Individuals with pain in multiple joints should discuss a multi-pronged strategy for addressing the various pain regions in the body with a trusted doctor.

Many people take a daily multi-vitamin to ensure that they are getting enough of the essential vitamins and minerals they need each day. Although it’s recommended to get the bulk of daily nutrients from food, supplements can help pick up the slack when nutritious meals fall short. These are five of the best vitamins to take regularly to promote good joint health.

1. Fish Oil

The omega-3 fatty acid contained in fish oil pills is often associated with a healthy heart and glowing skin.¹ However, it also plays a role in supporting the joints. Fatty acids help to prevent certain enzymes from damaging the joints and is known to help reduce inflammation.^2,3 This is a particularly good supplement to take if one suffers from knee pain or have rheumatoid arthritis. It is also possible to get omega-3 fatty acids from fish, avocados, nuts, and seeds.⁴

2. Calcium

Calcium is a familiar nutrient that is closely tied to bone and joint health.⁵ It is the nutrient associated with helping to form the bones and teeth and keep them strong.^7,8 Calcium pills can be effective in reducing joint inflammation and pain, especially in the knee joints. Dark leafy greens, milk, yogurt, and broccoli are examples of foods high in calcium.^6,7,8 As a general rule, women are more likely to need to supplement with calcium than men.^6,8

3. Vitamin D

Studies have shown that people with low levels of vitamin D tend to suffer from joint pain more frequently. Vitamin D also assists in the body’s absorption of calcium.^5,9 By taking this vitamin, one can help strengthen the bones and joints. It is possible to find vitamins that contain both calcium and vitamin D. Vitamin D can also be obtained through fortified milk and pure sunlight.

4. Glucosamine

Glucosamine is a lesser-known nutrient that may also be helpful to joint pain sufferers.¹⁰ This one is often recommended for knee joints because it helps to rebuild bone and prevent wear of the cartilage. Glucosamine may also help with inflammation that accompanies joint pain.¹¹ This is a good supplement to know for older adults with osteoarthritis because glucosamine levels tend to decline with age. It may take several months to see improvements in joint conditions after starting to take supplements like these.

5. Chondroitin

Chondroitin is typically used alongside glucosamine to help prevent joint pain and rebuilt cartilage.¹¹ These two nutrients are often found in the same supplements. Chondroitin is sometimes recommended to individuals with osteoarthritis because it has shown to help slow the progression of the disease.

Other Prevention Strategies

Like exercising,^12,13 getting enough rest,¹⁴ and good ergonomics,¹⁵ taking vitamins is a preventative measure to help the body fight off joint pain before it strikes. Prevention strategies can go a long way in keeping the joints mobile, flexible, and pain-free.

However, joint pain sufferers should always discuss new supplements with a doctor to ensure they are necessary and won’t negatively interact with other medications taken. Fortunately, when healthy diet and lifestyle choices are paired with fast-acting joint pain relief creams like JointFlex, individuals with arthritis can continue to enjoy the activities they love.

Ergonomics isn’t just a fancy word for feeling more comfortable while doing daily tasks at work and home. Using ergonomic tools can actually improve the function of the body’s joints, contribute to overall wellbeing, and make individuals more productive.^1,2

These are some of the best ergonomic tools for maintaining joint health, tips for healthy habits, and some exercises to relieve and prevent joint pain.

Types of Ergonomic Tools

An investment in ergonomics is a commitment to one’s health and longevity. One of the best places to start with ergonomic upgrades is the chair.³

An office chair with wheels and a five-point base can help promote stability while reducing the risk of joint pain. Seat backs of chairs should be height-adjustable and have lumbar support to fit the natural curve of the back. It also helps to sit in a way in which there’s a one-inch gap between the backs of the knees and the front edge of the seat. Armrests on chairs should also be adjustable so that the forearms are supported while typing.

Whether an individual works in an office or remotely, it is important to use an ergonomic keyboard and mouse. There are many options for these types of tools to suit every budget. Proper mouse and keyboard height is needed to support the wrists and prevent joint problems.⁴ It may help to adjust the slope of the keyboard so that the wrists are flat and to place the mouse at the same height as the keyboard. Try using a mouse without a mousepad to prevent an upward tilt that can cause wrist and hand strain.

Ergonomic Lifestyle Tips

Certain poor body mechanics should be avoided to prevent joint pain from developing and getting worse. Practice these habits when working at a computer or using the hands for other daily tasks:^4,5,6

• Break up repetitious work by stepping away once per hour
• Relax the muscles and shift positions frequently
• Keep fingers warm during use and wear gloves when necessary
• Don’t slouch while sitting or standing
• Wear appropriate eye correction to avoid eye strain and poor posture

Hand Exercises to Prevent Joint Pain

In addition to using ergonomic tools and applying topical arthritis pain relief creams like JointFlex, there are certain exercises that can be done to prevent joint pain from getting worse. Poor ergonomics over time can lead to constant pain, weakness, and numbness of frequently used joints.

An easy exercise that can be done at the desk is to rest the elbows on the desk and use one hand to gently bend back the other hand towards the forearm for a few seconds. Then repeat this exercise with the other hand and switch back and forth a few times to flex the wrists. An exercise that works well to protect the joints of the fingers is to spread the fingers as far apart as possible and then hold that position. After a few seconds, make tight fists and repeat this sequence a few times. Also, try bending and straightening each finger, one by one. Hold and extend each finger for a few seconds as part of a hand strengthening routine.

Range-of-motion exercises like these can easily be done in an office, at home, or while doing lawn and garden chores outside. Simple preventative measures go a long way in the prevention and relief of painful joint conditions like arthritis.

By now, most people understand that smoking cigarettes has many negative health benefits, but one surprising side effect of smoking is joint pain.^1,2

A study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases involving 13,000 people found that smoking made individuals more vulnerable to pain by about 30 percent.³ Even though only about 18 percent of Americans smoke, over 50 percent of patients who seek treatment for pain are smokers.^4,5

This is how smoking relates to joint pain and the types of pain that are most common among long-term smokers.

Why Smoking Causes Pain

Studies suggest that smoking cigarettes changes the way that the brain processes sensory stimuli and perceives pain.⁶ Nicotine tricks the body into feeling less pain at first and releases feel-good chemicals like dopamine, which is why smoking has an addictive quality.⁷ Smokers may be less aware of the pain their body is experiencing until that feeling wears off.

Not only can cigarettes change how the brain sends pain signals, but they can also hinder the body’s circulatory system and prevent nutrients from flowing to the muscles and joints. Certain types of pain, like back pain, may be exacerbated by the symptom of coughing that many smokers have. Finally, the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis becomes greater if one is a smoker and genetically predisposed to the autoimmune condition.¹

Types of Pain Smokers Feel

In the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases study referenced above, the most pronounced type of pain that smokers felt was back pain.³ However, this wasn’t the only type of pain reported from the surveys. Neck, shoulder, hip, knee, hand, and elbow pain were also more common in smokers than non-smokers.

Also, individuals who already have joint conditions like osteoarthritis experience more severe pain and loss of bone cartilage if they are smokers. Another study involving 159 men with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis found that on a pain scale of one to 100, smokers reported an average pain score of 60 and non-smokers just 45.⁸ To explain this increase in knee pain, the researchers hypothesized that smoking may increase oxidant stress to destroy cartilage, inhibit cell proliferation, and increase carbon monoxide in the blood to prevent cartilage repair.

Healthy Alternatives to Smoking

It may come as a surprise to smokers that their habit could be causing pain or making existing pain worse. Simply realizing and understanding this may be enough to help smokers reconsider their choices. Smokers can treat the symptoms of their pain with physical therapy and arthritis relief creams like JointFlex. But quitting smoking once and for all is the best way to prevent pain and many other health problems.

Smokers must find alternative coping mechanisms to deal with pain and stress and take the place of cigarettes in daily life. Oftentimes simply going for a walk or other form of exercise can bring relief and distract the mind from cigarette cravings. It is advisable to join a support group, surround oneself with positive individuals, and to discuss smoking cessation methods with a trusted doctor. Quitting smoking is never easy, but it is always worth it for health, wellness, and longevity.

The joints in the body are only able to handle a certain amount of weight, which relates to both body weight and lifting weights at the gym. When one tests the limits of a joint with too much weight, the risk of developing arthritis becomes greater.^1,2,3 Here is a discussion of how excess weight contributes to joint and arthritis pain in the body and how it can even amplify the health problems that arthritis has the propensity to inflict.

Weight Gain and Joint Strain

Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing osteoarthritis because the extra weight puts more stress on weight-bearing joints.^4,9 Also, weight gain can contribute to inflammation that leads to joint issues in one or more joints in the body. Excess weight especially puts a strain on the knees and hips, since these joints are required to carry the heavier body weight.^1,2,3

But excess weight doesn’t just contribute to osteoarthritis, but rheumatoid arthritis as well.⁵ Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that creates inflammation in the body and leads to joint pain. Fat contains inflammatory chemicals that impact the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems, including adipokines, which promote inflammation^6,7. RA has a way of changing the body composition to favor fat over muscle, which is another reason why RA sufferers must pay close attention to diet and exercise.

Obesity and Arthritis

Statistics show that about one in five Americans has been diagnosed with arthritis,⁸ but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says this number is more like one in three among obese people.¹⁰ And in the U.S. today, two out of every three Americans are overweight or obese.

Studies involving obese young people have shown that losing just 10 to 15 pounds can have a tremendous effect on preventing osteoarthrosis when they get older.¹ There is no magic solution for losing weight, just good old-fashioned diet and exercise. Since every pound an individual wants to lose represents about 3,500 calories,¹¹ cutting around 500 calories per day is necessary to lose approximately one pound per week.

Weightlifting and Arthritis

In a similar way, lifting heavy weights can put the joints at an increased risk of pain and arthritis, even if a healthy body weight is maintained. But the risk lies with lifting weights that are much too heavy for one’s joints because lifting a reasonable amount of weight is actually a great way to care for arthritic joints.

Light weightlifting can help improve strength, flexibility, and balance in people with arthritis at any age.^12,13 Those who are new to weightlifting should get advice from a doctor and personal trainer and then lift slowly and evenly as to not damage cartilage or cause too much strain.

How to Protect the Joints

Fortunately, there are many ways to protect the joints, and this starts with losing weight and maintaining a healthy body weight during all stages of life.^2,5,10 Always warm up before doing any form of exercise¹⁴ and wear protective gear for the exercise being done.¹⁵ Learn the correct way to lift heavy¹⁶ objects, practice good posture,¹⁷ and eat a diet rich in calcium and vitamin¹⁸ D to promote bone health. And if joint pain persists, try JointFlex for immediate and long-lasting relief for any part of the body without a prescription.

Arthritis of the feet and ankles can be due to an injury or joint deformity and is often accompanied by inflammation, pain, and stiffness.¹ It can become so severe that one loses the ability to walk; however, these symptoms could also be caused by a serious condition known as gout.

Here is an explanation of what gout is, how it differs from other types of joint pain, and how gout sufferers can find relief.

Understanding Gout

A gout is a form of arthritis and a very painful one that forms when there is too much uric acid build-up in the body.² When uric acid builds up, sharp crystals form in the joints and the big toes are very susceptible as target points.³ Gout can vary in symptoms and severity. Asymptomatic hyperuricemia shows no symptoms, acute gout involves severe pain, interval gout describes when time exists between attacks and chronic gout is when attacks become more frequent or pain persists for longer periods of time.⁴

Men are more likely to suffer from gout than women, especially men who are overweight, drink an excess of alcohol, or who have a family history of the disease.² Gout can also be triggered by foods that are rich in purines, such as liver, dried beans, and anchovies.⁵ An estimated one in 200 adults will experience a gout attack in their lifetimes.

How Gout Differs from Other Arthritis Pain

Many people’s first experience with gout begins in the big toe, often waking a person up from sleep with sharp pain, swelling, redness, and heat.⁶ Gout pain is often described as stiffness in the feet and ankle joints because it commonly affects the insteps, heels, and ankles too.

Gout pain is distinctive from other types of arthritis pain because it typically occurs in attacks that develop quickly over a few hours.² Just one or multiple joints can be affected and cause the surrounding skin to appear red and inflamed. Unlike other arthritis pain that is constantly felt or triggered by certain actions, gout pain usually lasts for a few days and goes away entirely within about a week.^1,7

How Gout Sufferers Can Relieve Pain

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, corticosteroids, and colchicine are commonly recommended to treat acute gout attacks.^2,7 Arthritis pain relief creams like JointFlex can also help reduce pain without a prescription when massaged daily into the feet and ankles. Studies have shown that the medication allopurinol may help prevent future gout attacks by lowering the amount of uric acid in the blood, and a diet rich in vitamin C may help prevent at-risk individuals from developing the condition.^8,9

Healthy lifestyle choices can also help prevent future gout attacks, including a balanced diet free of purine-rich foods, plenty of water, limited alcohol, regular exercise, and maintaining an optimal body weight.^2,10 During a gout attack, individuals may find relief in wrapping an ice pack in a towel and applying it to the feet and ankles for 15-20 minutes. Other remedies to relieve gout pain include using a cane to walk, elevating the feet, and managing stress through calming activities to prevent the condition from becoming aggravated.

Athlete Experiencing Arthritis Pain

Uric acid is a substance that is created when chemical compounds found in food, known as purines, break down and are dissolved into the blood.¹ It is produced as a byproduct of protein digestion and typically excreted by the kidneys through urine.

But if the body produces too much uric acid or the kidneys don’t eliminate enough of it, severe joint conditions may result.

How Uric Acid Forms & Uric Acid Accumulation

Purines contribute to the building blocks for DNA and RNA; however, the uric acid it produces has no useful function in the body.² Uric acid builds up in the blood but will accumulate around the joints when it can’t pass through the body as needed.¹ A physician can conduct a uric acid test to measure the amount of the substance in the blood to diagnose gout and possible causes of kidney stones.^3,4

Foods That Cause Uric Acid Build-Up

Diet and nutrition play a role in uric acid levels in the body, and too much of it in the blood results in a condition known as hyperuricemia.^5,6 Foods that contribute to uric acid buildup include dried beans, liver, gravies, and anchovies. Other high-purine foods are scallops, asparagus, mackerel, and mushrooms.

Alcohol interferes with the way that uric acid is excreted from the body, so high levels of alcohol consumption can lead to joint problems as well.⁷ Common triggers of uric acid buildup related joint pain also include dehydration and fructose-sweetened beverages.^8,9

Exercise and Lifestyle Habits That Affect Uric Acid Build-Up

An individual’s lifestyle also contributes to the amount of uric acid build-up in the body. Determining factors include body weight, gender, age, genetics, lead exposure, and certain medications.^6,10 The amount of exercise that one engages in on a regular basis also affects uric acid build-up.¹¹ It is recommended to maintain a healthy weight and lose weight if necessary.^5,6

However, low-carbohydrate diets with high uric acid should be avoided because carbohydrates help the body burn its own fat, and substances known as ketones form when the carbohydrate intake is not sufficient. These substances can increase uric acid levels in the blood even during periods of weight loss. Some medications, such as niacin and diuretics, have shown to boost uric acid levels.¹²

Why Uric Acid Build-Up Causes Joint Pain

When uric acid is not properly excreted from the body, it is deposited as needle-like crystals in the joints and soft tissues.^1,3 This causes inflammation, swelling, stiffness, pain, and heat in the joints. Gout is an extremely painful joint condition that is caused by an excess of uric acid in the joints.^6,11 It is an acute form of arthritis that often occurs in one joint at a time.

Uric acid build-up joint pain frequently occurs abruptly at night and can even cause flu-like symptoms, fever, and muscle aches.¹³ It is typically the most severe during the first 12 hours, lasts between a few days to a few weeks, and spreads on to additional joints over time.

For all types of arthritis pain, including joint pain caused by uric acid build-up, try JointFlex to keep moving all day long. This over-the-counter solution provides immediate and long-lasting relief for arthritis sufferers and athletes in every part of the body.