Valeria Korol, a rheumatologist affiliated with the Fomina Clinic network, explains that joint discomfort linked to changes in weather may be tied to fluctuations in barometric or atmospheric pressure. He spoke with socialbites.ca about why joints ache when the weather shifts.
“The exact pathways by which weather changes trigger joint pain are not fully understood yet. Most researchers agree that factors such as air temperature, shifts in atmospheric pressure, and humidity can contribute to discomfort”, Korol notes.
He adds that the consensus among experts is that more research is needed to determine whether weather influences arthritis symptoms or why some patients experience these effects more than others.
Some theories, according to Korol, suggest that rising or falling barometric pressure can cause tendons and muscles to expand or contract, increasing pressure on nerve endings and amplifying pain. Another idea is that weather-related pressure shifts can alter joint pressure, heightening nerve sensitivity and intensifying pain.
Another line of thought is that colder temperatures may raise the viscosity of synovial fluid, leading to greater stiffness and discomfort for some people when they are exposed to cold weather.
Korol explains that movement itself influences the joints. When activity levels rise, synovial fluid production increases and blood flow to the joints improves. In cold or rainy conditions, people often become less active, which can reduce synovial fluid availability and potentially worsen stiffness and pain. This reduced movement can contribute to a cycle of discomfort that some patients notice during less favorable weather.
There is also a mental health angle to consider. Depressive symptoms can amplify pain perception. On gloomy, low-light days, mood can dip, which may make pain feel more intense for some individuals. Korol emphasizes that people with depression or depressive symptoms often report higher pain intensity and frequency, highlighting the connection between mood and pain perception.
In clinical practice, doctors recognize that weather-related joint symptoms may vary widely between individuals. Factors such as overall health, physical activity, sleep quality, comorbid conditions, and mental well-being all interact with environmental conditions to shape each person’s experience of joint pain. This complexity is why physicians advocate for a holistic approach to management, combining symptom tracking, maintenance of regular activity within safe limits, and attention to mood and mental health as part of a comprehensive plan.
Patients who notice a pattern of weather-related joint pain can benefit from keeping a symptom diary. Recording temperature ranges, barometric pressure changes, and daily activity levels can help identify personal triggers and guide discussions with a rheumatologist. Clinicians may use this information to tailor recommendations, such as adjusting exercise routines, optimizing hydration, and reviewing medication timing or dosages to better align with seasonal fluctuations.
Experts point out that while weather might influence joint comfort for some, others experience little to no effect. Individual variability is common, and what holds true for one person may not apply to another. Ongoing research continues to explore the biological and biomechanical factors that connect environmental changes with joint health, aiming to provide clearer guidance for patients seeking relief during weather transitions.
In sum, while the link between weather and joint pain is not completely understood, the interplay of atmospheric pressure, temperature, humidity, movement, and mood appears to matter. Monitoring personal responses to different weather conditions and maintaining a proactive health routine can help many patients manage symptoms more effectively, even as science works to uncover the precise mechanisms behind these experiences.