Managing Joint Pain in Winter: A Compassionate Guide for Arthritis
Do your knees, hips, or fingers feel more stiff and achy when the weather gets cold? Many people notice their joint pain in winter becomes much worse. The cold air and weather changes can make conditions like arthritis feel more painful. So, why does this happen? According to bone and joint expert Dr. Vaibhav Jain, cold weather can thicken the fluid inside your joints, making them feel stiffer. The cold can also make your muscles tense up, adding to the discomfort. Why Does Cold Weather Worsen Joint Pain? Have you ever noticed your knees, hips, or fingers aching more when it gets cold? You’re not imagining it! Here’s a simple breakdown of why joint pain in winter often feels worse. 1. The Air Gets “Lighter” Before a storm, the air pressure drops. This can make the tissues inside your joints swell up, which presses on nerves and causes pain. 2. Your Joint Fluid Gets Thicker Joints have fluid that acts like oil in a hinge, helping them move smoothly. In the cold, this fluid ...