How Weather Affects Arthritis Pain: Myth or Reality?
“I can feel the rain in my knees” — it’s a phrase health professionals hear often. Many people with arthritis believe their joint pain gets worse when the weather changes, especially during cold, damp, or stormy days. But is there science behind this, or is it just a myth? If you live with arthritis, you've probably noticed your joints seem to predict the weather better than the local forecast. Research and real-life experiences suggest that changes in weather—especially temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure—can genuinely impact joint stiffness, swelling, and overall pain levels. Understanding how different weather patterns impact arthritis can empower patients to prepare and manage symptoms/flare-ups more effectively, no matter what the forecast says. The Science behind the Weather-Pain Connection Despite being a widely shared experience, the link between weather and joint pain isn’t fully settled. However, several plausible mechanisms have been propo...