Does the Weather Really Affect Joint Pain? Here's What the Evidence Says
Many people living with arthritis or chronic musculoskeletal conditions believe their joint pain worsens with certain weather conditions. You've probably heard someone say, "I can feel the rain coming in my knees." But is there any science behind this claim? Let's explore what the evidence says about weather and joint pain.
How Weather Might Affect Joint Pain
Barometric Pressure
One of the most commonly discussed factors is barometric pressure - the weight of the air around us. Before storms or changes in weather, the barometric pressure often drops. The theory is that this drop allows tissues around joints to expand slightly, which can irritate nerves and lead to a sensation of pain, especially in already inflamed joints.
Some studies support this idea. For example, a 2014 study published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders (1) found that lower barometric pressure combined with higher humidity was associated with increased knee pain in people with osteoarthritis. Similarly, a 2015 study in the journal Pain (2) found that some individuals with chronic pain do appear to be sensitive to weather changes, although the degree of sensitivity varied greatly from person to person.
Temperature
Cold temperatures can cause muscles, tendons, and ligaments to stiffen, which may increase joint stiffness and discomfort. This is especially noticeable in the early morning or after periods of inactivity. However, research findings are mixed. While some individuals do report worsening symptoms in cold weather, controlled studies show inconsistent results.
Humidity and Rain
Humidity and rainfall are often blamed for joint flare-ups, but evidence remains inconclusive. While certain patients may notice a correlation between damp, rainy days and joint pain, others do not. Once again, individual differences appear to play a major role.
The Role of Psychology and Perception
Interestingly, our expectations may influence how we perceive pain. If someone believes that cold or damp weather will make their joints hurt, their experience of pain may increase - a phenomenon known as the nocebo effect. Additionally, poor weather can affect mood, which in turn may heighten pain perception. This link between emotional state and pain intensity is well-documented in pain science.
So, Does the Weather Really Matter?
The short answer is: it depends. Scientific studies suggest that certain weather factors like barometric pressure, humidity, and temperature can influence joint pain in some people, but the effects are not universal. Everyone's experience with pain and weather is different, and there's no one-size-fits-all explanation.
What You Can Do
If you find that your joint pain worsens with the weather, here are a few practical steps to consider:
Keep your joints warm with appropriate clothing or heating pads.
Stay physically active indoors to maintain joint mobility and circulation.
Use a journal or app to track pain levels alongside weather changes to identify your own patterns.
Seek advice from a healthcare provider to manage symptoms proactively.
At Epoch Health, we take a holistic, evidence-based approach to managing joint and musculoskeletal pain. If you're experiencing seasonal flare-ups, speak with one of our practitioners about tailored treatment strategies that suit your lifestyle and condition.
Timmermans, E. J., van der Pas, S., Schaap, L. A., Sánchez-Martínez, M., Zambon, S., Peter, R., ... & Deeg, D. J. H. (2014). Self-perceived weather sensitivity and joint pain in older people with osteoarthritis in six European countries: results from the European Project on OSteoArthritis (EPOSA). BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 15, 66.
Timmermans, E. J., Schaap, L. A., Herbolsheimer, F., et al. (2015). The Influence of Weather Conditions on Joint Pain in Older People with Osteoarthritis: Results from the European Project on OSteoArthritis. The Journal of Rheumatology, 42(10), 1885–1892.