Hi, thank you for your question.
There is this myth that claims that aching joint is a sign of changing weather. In fact, many patients with arthritis report that their pain worsens during colder days. There are studies which shows that a change in barometric pressure during colder days may be the cause of increased joint pain.

Barometric pressure is the force exerted by the weight of the atmosphere. When barometric pressure drops, tissues in your body may expand. When your tissues expand, more pressure is put on the nerves controlling the pain signals. Also, when it is cold, some nerves constrict the blood vessels in order to minimise heat loss and keep the body warm. Increased activation of these nerves around the joints may eventually lead to more pain.

Another possible reason why pain worsens during colder seasons is people tend to stay indoors more and exercise less. Lack of exercise can make the joints stiff. Exercise helps to strengthen muscles to support your joints, increase flexibility, build your stamina, maintain a healthy weight and improve balance. There is no prove that the cold has a direct effect on arthritis, but it does have secondary effects that are likely to make your pain worse.

Therefore, a few tips that may help to prevent your arhtritis from worsening during the colder seasons are to keep yourself well hydrated, dress warmly and keep your elbows and knees protected, and plan physical activities that are easy to do indoor, such as aerobics, yoga and stretching exercises.

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