Does Cold Weather Affect arthritis?

Reducing winter-related arthritis pain. While cold weather doesn't cause arthritis, it can exacerbate aches and pains. According to the Arthritis Foundation, frigid temperatures can heighten pain sensitivity, slow blood circulation and cause muscle spasms.

Does arthritis get worse with cold weather?

Studies have shown that cold weather can affect both inflammatory and non-inflammatory arthritis. With winter in full swing, cold weather pain and arthritis can be uncomfortable and affect your quality of life. The cold doesn't cause arthritis, but it can increase joint pain, according to the Arthritis Foundation.

What is the best weather for arthritis?

According to Professor Karen Walker-Bone, professor of occupational rheumatology at the University of Southampton, people with osteoarthritis generally prefer warm and dry weather, while those with rheumatoid arthritis tend to prefer the cooler weather.

Why do my joints hurt when it's cold?

Cold weather generally causes stiffness of the muscles making them harder to move and that may be a reason people tend to perceive more pain. Synovial fluid which is present in the joint thickens in the cold weather resulting in less lubrication causing more pain when moving the joint.

What weather worsens arthritis?

Blame it on the rain

Many people with arthritis feel worsening symptoms before and during rainy days. A drop in pressure often precedes cold, rainy weather. This drop in pressure may cause already inflamed tissue to expand, leading to increased pain.

Dr. Stephen Duncan answers a common question about cold weather and arthritis pain

Which is better for arthritis heat or cold?

For an acute injury, such as a pulled muscle or injured tendon, the usual recommendation is to start by applying ice to reduce inflammation and dull pain. Once inflammation has gone down, heat can be used to ease stiffness. For a chronic pain condition, such as osteoarthritis, heat seems to work best.

Why does arthritis hurt more at night?

In people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the body releases less of the anti-inflammatory chemical cortisol at night, increasing inflammation-related pain.

How do you stop joint pain in cold weather?

Get up, walk around and be active indoors and outdoors. Stretch before going outside to loosen stiff joints. Staying active in the winter keeps your muscles and joints healthy. Get a good night's sleep, eat a healthy diet and keep a positive outlook.

Can arthritis be cured?

Symptoms may include pain, stiffness, swelling, warmth, or redness in 1 or more joints. There is no cure for arthritis. The treatment goal is to limit pain and inflammation and preserve joint function. Treatment options include medicines, weight reduction, exercise, and surgery.

What is the symptoms of arthritis?

What causes arthritis pain to flare up?

The most common triggers of an OA flare are overdoing an activity or trauma to the joint. Other triggers can include bone spurs, stress, repetitive motions, cold weather, a change in barometric pressure, an infection or weight gain.

Does sunshine help arthritis?

Living in a sunnier climate may reduce the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, according to US researchers. Their study of more than 200,000 women, published in the journal Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, suggested a link between sunlight and the risk of developing the disease.

Is heat good for arthritis?

Many arthritis doctors recommend both heat and cold treatments to help reduce inflammation and ease the pain and stiffness that comes with arthritis.

What does arthritis pain feel like?

In general, the first sign of arthritis is pain, also called arthralgia. This can feel like a dull ache or a burning sensation. Often, pain starts after you've used the joint a lot, for example, if you've been gardening or if you just walked up a flight of stairs. Some people feel soreness first thing in the morning.

Is arthritis worse in summer or winter?

For many people, arthritis symptoms seem to get worse in the summer months, and there's a good reason for that.

Why does arthritis flare up in cold weather?

A fall in barometric pressure, which often occurs as a cold front approaches, can cause joints to expand, which may result in pain. Low temps may also increase the thickness of the synovial fluid that acts as the joint's shock absorber, which makes joints stiffer and more sensitive to pain.

What is the fastest way to cure arthritis?

Use hot and cold therapy

Heat and cold treatments can help relieve arthritis pain and inflammation. Heat treatments can include taking a long, warm shower or bath in the morning to help ease stiffness and using an electric blanket or moist heating pad to reduce discomfort overnight.

What is the best painkiller for arthritis?

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

NSAIDs are the most effective oral medicines for OA. They include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) naproxen (Aleve) and diclofenac (Voltaren, others). All work by blocking enzymes that cause pain and swelling.

How do you stop arthritis from progressing?

Arthritis progression can be slowed or halted through a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle. Certain types of arthritis can be treated with methotrexate and other disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) that can slow disease progression.

Why do my legs hurt at night when it's cold?

Some theories suggest changes in atmospheric or barometric pressure, which refers to the weightiness of air and decreases in cold weather. This drop in barometric pressure may cause your soft tissues to swell and put pressure on your joints, causing your nerves to transmit increased pain signals.

What fruits are good for joint pain?

Richly colored fruits have nutrients, like anthocyanins and lycopene, that limit the inflammatory response, and citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C that prevents inflammation – blueberries, blackberries, tomatoes (it is a fruit), strawberries, cherries, raspberries, oranges, limes, and grapefruits.

What are the best supplements for joint pain?

What eases arthritis pain?

Over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve) can help relieve occasional pain triggered by activity your muscles and joints aren't used to — such as gardening after a winter indoors.

How should you sleep with arthritis?

Sleep with your head, neck, and spine in a straight line. Don't keep your head tilted far to one side, or too far forward or backward on the pillow. Sleep on your back or side, not your tummy. You have to twist your neck to breathe if you lie on your stomach.

How do I know if I have osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis?

Osteoarthritis tends to develop gradually over several years, as the joint cartilage wears away. Eventually the bones of your joints rub against each other. In contrast, the pain and stiffness of rheumatoid arthritis can develop and worsen over several weeks or a few months.