11/05/2025
Patients ask us all the time if the weather can really affect their joints or if that's an 'Old Wives Tale'. It's true, many people with arthritis notice their joints ache more when the weather shifts, especially when it's cold, windy or stormy. It's thought to be correlated with changes in barometric pressure, temperature and even humidity. When the weather changes, it can lead to increased joint pain, swelling and stiffness.
Tips to manage weather-related flares:
- Stay warm: Dress in layers if needed, use warm compresses on achy joints.
- Stay active: Low impact exercises like walking, swimming and even stretching can help main flexibility and reduce stiffness.
- Change your diet: Anti-inflammatory foods such as greens, berries and fish can help reduce inflammation.
- Keep moving: If the weather prevents you from being outside, try indoor chair exercises and try to move around as much as possible.
- Stay consistent with your treatment: It's easy to loose track of your day when you are stuck indoors. Make sure you maintain a consistent routine with your medications to have the best outcomes.
What's your favorite tip to help ease weather related flares?
