If you or someone you know has arthritis, you probably heard that weather can affect it. But is that really true? And if so, is there any way to avoid or ease weather-related arthritis pain?
Read on to discover everything you need to know.
Arthritis is an all-encompassing term that references over 100 arthritis-related problems, including joint diseases and generic joint pain. While everyone is susceptible to this condition, it is more common in women.
A few common symptoms of arthritis-related issues are pain, swelling, stiffness, joint tension, and limited range of motion. These symptoms typically worsen over time and can lead to permanent problems and difficulty completing daily tasks.
If you have arthritis or have had any struggles with joint pain or stiffness, you are probably aware that weather can have an effect on these issues. While there are no concrete links between the weather and worsened arthritis conditions in the medical community, it has remained an accepted phenomenon. There are several theories as to why it occurs.
Barometric pressure, also known as atmospheric pressure, is the measurement of air pressure. It is ever-changing depending on a multitude of factors like altitude and weather. At sea level, the barometric pressure is about 14.5 PSI (pounds per square inch). The higher in altitude you go, the fewer molecules there are. Thus, lower PSI.
You are probably wondering how this can possibly relate to arthritis. It is simple, the changes in atmospheric pressure can cause your muscles, tendons, and scar tissue to either contract or expand. Thus, impacting arthritis and often causing discomfort or pain.
Your muscles and tendons typically expand when you change from a cold to a warm climate. This can increase blood flow, cause inflammation, and stimulate joint pain.
When you change from a warm climate to a cold one, parts of your body will contract. This can lead to stiffness, slower blood flow, and extreme discomfort.
These climate changes can include the changing of seasons, the difference in temperature between outdoors and indoors, and traveling to different climates.
Many people link joint pain or discomfort with rain, claiming they can tell when it will rain based on how they feel. This phenomenon has a scientific theory. Before it rains, the surrounding climate will experience a dramatic drop in barometric pressure. This causes joints to expand or become inflamed. Ultimately leading to pain or stiffness. So, it is only natural that those more sensitive to joint-related discomfort are more aware of changes in barometric pressure. Aka, they can tell when it is about to rain.
Determining that weather does have a direct impact on arthritis pain can provide comfort. At least you can now blame the weather and understand where your pain is coming from. But what about easing or even preventing the pain?
No one wants to experience pain, especially regularly. So, here are a few tips and tricks to ease your arthritis-related joint pain.
Arthritis typically manifests itself in people's hands, and, unfortunately, it typically happens to individuals who are active with their hands. This means those who enjoy working with their hands the most suffer to do so in their later years. However, there is hope.
The Green Relief Gloves Reviews speak for themselves. These gloves are built with compression technology to relieve swelling and pain in your hands and fingers so you can continue doing what you love without worrying about the pain.
When the weather turns cold, it helps to keep yourself warm. While barometric pressure plays a significant role in joint discomfort, cold weather is also a variable. Being cold can cause the fluids in your body to slow, making you feel stiff and restricting the movement of your joints. So, bundle up!
Like most health issues, regular exercise is a great way to prevent unwanted stiffness and keep your joints healthy. Talk to your doctor or fitness professional and figure out an exercise regime that is best for you.
While this may seem pretty straightforward, it is worth pointing out that you should go easy on your joints. If you have issues with arthritis, it is best to avoid overworking problem areas. If it is in your hands, then limit the strenuous use of your hands. The same goes for all other parts of your body.
Last but not least, you must stretch. Stretching and exercise go hand in hand. It supports your physical health, keeps your joints from stiffening, and feels good to do once you get the hang of it.
While there is no concrete connection between weather and worsened arthritis, changes in barometric pressure can affect the human body in a way that highlights joint pain and discomfort. There are many ways to account for and ease this pain. So, the next time you travel or experience seasonal changes, you can be ready for it.
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