Why does humidity make my arthritis worse?

Why does humidity make my arthritis worse?

Many people with arthritis find they have more stiffness and pain as the humidity rises and barometric pressure drops—as can happen before a monsoon storm. This may be because changes in temperature and humidity change the level of fluid in our joints.

Does humidity aggravate arthritis?

Anecdotally, doctors who treat people with arthritis, as well as researchers who study factors that affect arthritis symptoms, hear over and over that certain kinds of weather — namely, cold fronts, where there’s a drop in barometric pressure and an increase in humidity — makes peoples’ arthritis pain and swelling …

Does humidity make inflammation worse?

“Heat and humidity can increase the amount of inflammation in a patient’s system, causing anti-inflammatory medication to be less effective,” Dr. Pappas said.

Why does the weather affect arthritis?

Another idea: Changes in barometric pressure may make your tendons, muscles, and any scar tissue expand and contract, and that can create pain in joints affected by arthritis. Low temperatures can also make the fluid inside joints thicker, so they feel stiffer.

What’s the best climate for arthritis?

Where are the best places to live with arthritis?

• Grand Junction, Colorado.
• Salt Lake City, Utah.
• El Paso, Texas.
• San Diego, California.
• Palm Springs, California.
• Destin, Florida.
• Baltimore, Maryland.
• Minneapolis, Minnesota. Even if the weather in Minneapolis is not the most osteoarthritis-friendly, the healthcare sure is.

Is it true that humidity can cause joint pain?

So if you’re one of those people – consider yourself lucky. All the ongoing weather changes are probably not going to affect your joints too soon. So now it’s pretty clear – humidity does affect joint pain, due to pressure changes. But what can you do about it? Obviously, a climate with constant temperatures would be the best solution.

How does the weather affect arthritis in the summer?

For those suffering from arthritis or chronic joint pain, the summer weather can be unbearable. Our joints contain sensory nerves that continuously respond to the changing weather.

Can a drier climate help with joint pain?

Drier climates can sometimes reduce pain for those suffering from arthritis, but no climate will prevent you from having arthritis. There are ways to help combat the effects of humidity without going to such drastic measures.

How does the humidity affect the human body?

How Humidity Affects the Body. It might surprise you to learn just how much the weather can affect our bodies. Our joints contain sensory nerves called baroreceptors, which respond to changes in the weather. When the weather changes, the air pressure changes, and the body responds accordingly.

Is high humidity good for arthritis?

Having observed how weather changes affect arthritis, it is true that extreme temperatures during the spring and summer seasons can be bad for arthritis sufferers. High humidity has an impact on how joints feel and perform their functions.

How does cold weather impact arthritis?

Changes In Humidity – during the cold weather, there is a lot of damage done to the bone cells and cartilage and this causes cold weather arthritis symptoms to flare up. Also, cold weather increases sensitivity to joints. This intensifies the pain associated with arthritis.

How do Rainy Days affect arthritis?

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. Elaine Husni, a rheumatologist at the Cleveland Clinic, says weather doesn’t cause arthritis or make it worse.

What climate is best for arthritis?

Considering all of that information, it’s obvious that warm, dry climates are the best for people with arthritis. People in these climates report fewer flare-ups and reduced pain, although it doesn’t cure or reverse the disease altogether.