If you’ve ever claimed, “I can feel a storm coming in my bones,” you’re not alone. Many people believe rain worsens joint pain, especially if arthritis is in the picture.
But is it fact — or just folklore?
We turned to an expert for answers.
Yes, rainy days can cause joint pain.
“It’s not a myth: Rainy, damp weather really can magnify joint stiffness and pain,” says Mark Shekhman, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at the Bone & Joint Institute at Hartford Hospital.
That’s especially true if your joints are already inflamed or have less cushioning — due to arthritis, an old injury or any other reason.
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It all has to do with barometric pressure.
“The drop in barometric pressure ahead of a storm causes fluid shifts and pressure changes in your joints,” says Dr. Shekman.
Why? As you may recall from high school physics, air is surprisingly heavy. For example, right now, the air around you is pressing about 15 pounds of weight onto each square inch of your body.
But this air pressure, aka barometric pressure, fluctuates. Before rainy weather, it usually drops. With less resistance, the tissues in your body expand — including in your joints. And that can lead to swelling and pain.
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Some people notice joint pain even before it starts to rain.
Who needs a weather app?
Barometric pressure initially begins dropping before a storm, not just during. So for all of the above reasons, your joints may start reacting before a storm too.
“Many people with arthritis of their joints can anticipate a storm coming, sort of like an internal barometer,” says Dr. Shekhman.
> Related: 5 Common Causes of Hip Pain
Cold weather can make things worse.
Ever notice how you tend to feel more stiff and sore in the morning than at any other time of day? It’s because your muscles are cold — in that case, from lack of activity over the past seven or eight hours of sleep.
But when the air around you is cold — say, because it’s winter in New England — it can have a similar effect, at any and all times of day. Of course, the snowbirds in your life already know this.
“Cold weather can cause more pain and stiffness in achy joints,” says Dr. Shekhman. “That’s why a trip to Florida or dry climate like Arizona can be a desired getaway for some people with arthritis.”
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How can you ease rainy day joint pain?
First, stay warm. Think: cozy layers, heating pads and a warm bath.
Second, if you’ve already discussed it with your doctor, consider taking an over-the-counter or prescribed medication.
Third, resist the couch. Rainy days may feel synonymous with weighted blankets, but inactivity will only increase your discomfort.
“For individuals with arthritis, lack of regular movement can worsen symptoms over time, creating a vicious cycle of inactivity and pain,” says Dr. Shekhman.
Instead, try gentle stretches to warm up your joints. Or if you’re feeling extra ambitious, bundle up in rain gear and go for a walk.
Just keep an eye out for puddles.
