Valeria Korol, rheumatologist in the Fomina Clinic network, explains that joint pain caused by changes in weather conditions may be associated with changes in barometric or atmospheric pressure. He told socialbites.ca why joints hurt when the weather changes.
“The exact mechanisms by which joint pain occurs when weather conditions change are still not fully understood. It is believed that factors such as air temperature, changes in atmospheric pressure and humidity can cause discomfort,” says Korol.
However, he said experts agree that more research is needed to determine how weather might be linked to arthritis symptoms or why it affects some patients more than others.
Some theories, King continues, suggest that increased arthritis pain is caused by changes in barometric pressure, which can cause tendons and muscles to expand or contract and increase pressure on nerve endings. Another theory, the rheumatologist said, is that “Changes in barometric pressure during weather changes can cause changes in joint pressure, which can make nerve endings more sensitive and increase pain.”
He added that there is a theory that low temperatures can lead to an increase in the viscosity of synovial fluid, so patients may experience more joint stiffness and pain in cold weather.
“When you are in motion, the amount of synovial fluid increases and blood flow to the joints increases. In cold or rainy weather, patients tend to be less active. “Restricting movements in the joints can again lead to a decrease in the amount of synovial fluid, which can increase pain and cause a feeling of stiffness,” he added, another option to explain joint pain.
Finally, pain may be associated with depression.
“Cold, cloudy days with less sunlight can have a negative impact on mood, which can affect the perception of pain. People with depression or depressive symptoms experience pain more frequently and more severely than people who do not suffer from depression,” concluded the doctor.
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