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Medical News Today
16 hours ago
- Health
- Medical News Today
Cold weather and joint pain: What is the connection?
Effects Who it affects Managing pain Contacting a doctor FAQ Summary Cold weather may worsen joint pain in some people, such as those with arthritis or orthopedic implants. Keeping warm by dressing appropriately for the weather and using draft excluders at home may help. Many people with health conditions such as arthritis report worsening joint pain when temperatures drop. Some research supports this, but more studies may be necessary for scientists to understand exactly why this happens and how common it is. Taking steps to stay warm may help reduce joint pain during cold weather. However, if someone experiences severe or persistent pain that interferes with their daily life, it is a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional. CatherineHistorically, most evidence of a link between cold weather and joint pain was anecdotal. However, in recent years, more researchers are investigating a cause-and-effect link. A 2025 review suggests that low temperatures may affect: compliance of the periarticular structures, which are tissues around a joint viscosity (resistance to flow) of synovial fluid, which is in joint cavities the ability of substances to pass through blood vessels, which may affect inflammation blood vessel constriction These effects may lead to increased joint pain and stiffness during cold weather. A 2023 systematic review of 14 studies suggests a correlation between increased osteoarthritis joint pain and lower temperatures, as well as increased atmospheric pressure and relative humidity. A potential cause for this is an overexpression of thermosensitive transient receptor potential channels (thermo-TRPs) in cold weather. Thermo-TRPs are a type of protein structure in cells involved in functions such as body temperature regulation and pain perception. However, the researchers conclude that more research is necessary to fully understand the links between osteoarthritis pain and weather conditions, including temperature. According to the 2025 review, cold weather may affect how people use care resources for health conditions such as arthritis. For example, lower temperatures may make people less likely to use physical therapy, which could contribute to increases in their symptoms. The Arthritis Foundation also suggests that cold weather may contribute to lower moods, which may cause people to focus more on their pain. More research is necessary to understand exactly how cold weather affects joint pain and other factors that may contribute. Not everyone will experience joint pain when it gets colder. However, certain health conditions may increase a person's chance. Pain is subjective and varies from person to person, even among people with the same health conditions. Mild pain for one person may feel severe for another. So, there is no guarantee everyone with arthritis will have painful joints when it gets colder. A 2020 study also suggests a link between cold weather and increased pain in people with orthopedic implants, such as joint replacements. If someone tends to experience worsening joint pain in colder temperatures, it can help to monitor weather forecasts to anticipate weather changes before they happen and take steps to prepare. Keeping warm may help reduce joint pain due to cold weather. People can try the following steps: wear warm clothes, such as gloves and multiple layers choose clothes made from insulating materials, such as wool use hot water bottles or portable hand warmers use heat pads or heated blankets at home place draft excluders or door sweeps on doors at home eat a hot meal or drink a warm drink move around to boost circulation If someone has a health condition that affects their joints, sticking to their treatment plan even during cold weather can help prevent worsening joint pain. A person's symptoms may differ depending on factors such as underlying health conditions, current treatments, and more. If someone does not have a diagnosed health condition but starts experiencing persistent or frequent joint pain, a doctor can diagnose the underlying cause. People with a health condition, such as arthritis, may benefit from speaking with a healthcare professional if they experience a severe flare-up or worsening symptoms. Their healthcare team may wish to change their current treatment plan to help them manage their symptoms. Although warmer temperatures may improve joint pain for some people, other weather factors, such as humidity and barometric pressure, can also affect joint pain. Treatment compliance and other factors may also contribute. The Arthritis Foundation suggests there is no guarantee a warmer climate will help. However, people can visit a new climate at different times throughout the year before committing to moving to see if their symptoms improve. No scientific studies support an 'ideal' temperature to reduce joint pain. The most comfortable temperature to relieve joint pain may vary from person to person. People can use a symptom journal to help work out what temperatures seem to relieve their joint pain and what temperatures worsen it. No scientific research supports using copper or magnetic bracelets to relieve joint pain during cold weather. However, the Arthritis Foundation suggests there is no harm in trying this remedy alongside a doctor-approved treatment plan. Some people may find that their symptoms improve due to the placebo effect. Cold weather may trigger or worsen joint pain in certain people, such as those with arthritis or joint replacements. Low temperatures may affect the fluid and tissues in and around joints, causing pain and stiffness. People may also focus on symptoms more and be less likely to follow treatment plans in cold weather. Taking steps to keep warm may help relieve joint pain that worsens in cold weather. This may include wearing multiple layers, using hand warmers or heat pads, and fitting draft excluders at home. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
Health Line
a day ago
- Health
- Health Line
What Type of Arthritis Do You Have?
Key takeaways Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints that can cause debilitating joint pain. With over 100 kinds of arthritis and related conditions, understanding the specific type is crucial for effective treatment. Osteoarthritis (OA), also called degenerative arthritis, is the most common type of arthritis, affecting over 32 million people in the United States. It involves the breakdown of cartilage, leading to pain and inflammation. If you're experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or other symptoms, talk with your doctor. Early diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan are essential for managing arthritis effectively. Arthritis and joint pain Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints that can cause debilitating joint pain. There are more than 100 kinds of arthritis and related conditions. Arthritis affects more than 50 million adults and 300,000 children in America, according to the Arthritis Foundation. The causes and treatment options available vary from one type of arthritis to another. To find the best treatment and management strategies, it's important to determine the type of arthritis you have. Read on to learn about the types and the differences between them. Osteoarthritis (OA) Osteoarthritis (OA), also called degenerative arthritis, is the most common type of arthritis. It affects over 32 million people in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). With OA, cartilage in your joints breaks down, eventually causing your bones to rub together and your joints to be inflamed, which leads to pain, bone injury, and even bone spur formation. It may occur in just one or two joints, on one side of the body. Age, obesity, injuries, family history, and joint overuse can raise your risk of developing it. Common symptoms include: To learn if you have OA, a doctor will take your medical history and conduct a physical exam. They may order X-rays and other imaging tests. They may also taking a sample of fluid from inside an affected joint to check for infection. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of autoimmune disease in which your body attacks healthy joint tissue. Common symptoms of RA include morning stiffness and joint pain, typically in the same joint on both sides of your body. Joint deformities can eventually develop. Additional symptoms may also develop in other parts of your body including the heart, lungs, eyes, or skin. Sjögren's syndrome frequently occurs with RA. This condition causes severely dry eyes and mouth. Other symptoms and complications include: Diagnosing RA There is no one test to determine if you have RA. To develop a diagnosis, a doctor will likely take a medical history, conduct a physical exam, and order X-rays or other imaging tests. Your doctor may also order a: rheumatoid factor test anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide test complete blood count C-reactive protein test erythrocyte sedimentation rate These tests can determine whether you have an autoimmune reaction and systemic inflammation. Juvenile arthritis (JA) Juvenile arthritis (JA) affects about 300,000 children in the United States, according to the Arthritis Foundation. JA is an umbrella term for several types of arthritis that affect children. The most common type is juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), formerly known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. This is a group of autoimmune disorders that can impact children's joints. JIA starts to occur in children younger than 16 years old. It can cause: muscle and soft tissue to tighten bones to erode growth patterns to change joints to misalign Months of aching joints, swelling, stiffness, fatigue, and fevers may indicate juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Other less common forms of JA include: juvenile dermatomyositis juvenile lupus juvenile scleroderma Kawasaki disease mixed connective tissue disease Spondyloarthropathies Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and other types are autoimmune conditions that attack where tendons and ligaments attach to your bone. Symptoms include pain and stiffness, especially in your lower back. Your spine will likely be affected the most, as AS is the most common of these conditions. It usually affects mainly the spine and pelvis but can affect other joints in the body. Other spondyloarthropathies can attack peripheral joints, such as those in your hands and feet. In AS, bone fusion may occur, causing deformation of your spine and dysfunction of your shoulders and hips. Ankylosing spondylitis is hereditary. Most people who develop AS have the HLA-B27 gene. You're more likely to have this gene if you have AS. It's also more common in men than women. Other spondyloarthritic diseases are also associated with the HLA-B27 gene, including: reactive arthritis, formerly known as Reiter's syndrome psoriatic arthritis enteropathic arthropathy, associated with the gastrointestinal tract acute anterior uveitis juvenile ankylosing spondylitis Lupus erythematosus Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is another autoimmune disease that can affect your joints and connective tissue in your body. It can also damage other organs, such as your: skin lungs kidneys heart brain SLE is more common among women. Common symptoms include joint pain and swelling. Other symptoms include: chest pain fatigue fever uneasiness hair loss mouth sores facial skin rash sensitivity to sunlight swollen lymph nodes You may experience more severe effects as the disease progresses. SLE affects people differently, but starting treatment as soon as possible can help you manage this condition. Gout Gout is a form of arthritis caused by the accumulation of urate crystals inside your joints. High levels of uric acid in your blood may put you at risk of gout. An estimated 3.9 percent of American adults have gout — that's 5.9 percent of American men and 2 percent of American women. Age, diet, alcohol use, and family history can affect your risk of developing gout. Gout can be painful. A joint at the base of your big toe is most likely to be affected, although it can potentially affect other joints. You may experience redness, swelling, and pain in your: toes feet ankles knees hands wrists An acute attack of gout can come on strong within a few hours and can linger for days to weeks. Gout can become more severe over time. Learn more about the symptoms of gout. Infectious and reactive arthritis Infectious arthritis is an infection in one of your joints that causes pain or swelling. The infection can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi. It can start in another part of your body and spread to your joints. This kind of arthritis is often accompanied by a fever and chills. Reactive arthritis can occur when an infection in one part of your body triggers immune system dysfunction and inflammation in a joint elsewhere in your body. The infection often occurs in your gastrointestinal tract, bladder, or sexual organs. To diagnose these conditions, your doctor can order tests on samples of your blood, urine, and fluid from inside an affected joint. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) The fingers are most commonly affected with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), but this painful condition affects other joints as well. Pink-colored fingers that appear sausage-like, and pitting of the fingernails, may also occur. The disease may also progress to your spine, causing damage similar to that of ankylosing spondylitis. If you have psoriasis, there's a chance you could also develop PsA. Other conditions and joint pain Other forms of arthritis, and other conditions, can also cause joint pain. Examples include:
The Independent
13-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Expert reveals the factors that may exacerbate arthritis symptoms
Hot weather can trigger arthritis flare-ups, leading to swelling, fatigue, and increased discomfort, according to Matt Daly of the Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists. Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers may become sensitive to increased temperatures due to their immune system's response to inflammation, while those with osteoarthritis may experience increased stiffness due to humidity or barometric pressure changes. Dehydration may impact synovial fluid production, potentially causing joints to feel stiff or sensitive, although direct evidence is hard to prove. Managing arthritis flare-ups in the heat includes relative rest, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or topical creams, cooling the affected area with water, staying in the shade, wearing light clothing, and staying hydrated. It is important to listen to your body and seek professional help if self-management is not effective, especially if your hands become very red, hot, and swollen.
CNA
07-06-2025
- Health
- CNA
Why this bread shop owner keeps on baking even with 'pain in every joint'
"It's okay if I lose mobility in two fingers, I can still use the other three," said 55-year-old baker Dennis Lim, who suffers from severe arthritis with visible deformities to both his hands. Despite the chronic pain, Mr Lim still pushes through 16-hour working days, kneading and shaping each loaf bread with dedication and perseverance. "A good loaf of bread is one that's made with heart," said Mr Lim, who has been baking for 27 years.
CNA
06-06-2025
- Health
- CNA
Kneading through the pain: Why this baker refuses to give up his craft despite severe arthritis
"It's okay if I lose mobility in two fingers, I can still use the other three," said 55-year-old baker Dennis Lim, who suffers from severe arthritis with visible deformities to both his hands. Despite the chronic pain, Mr Lim still pushes through 16-hour working days, kneading and shaping each loaf bread with dedication and perseverance. "A good loaf of bread is one that's made with heart," said Mr Lim, who has been baking for 27 years.
