Cold weather and joint pain: Why do my joints hurt when it’s cold outside?

Winter snow scene on UChicago campus

I often see patients who experience stiffness, aches and pains as the weather changes, especially with the falling temperatures of winter. Though I know that the weather does not impact everyone, I wanted to share several steps you can take to be more comfortable and reduce your risk when the weather turns cold.

Why does the cold cause pain and stiffness?

There is no one explanation for why dropping temperatures affect your joints. One theory relates to drops in barometric pressure, which cause tendons, muscles and the surrounding tissues to expand. Because of the confined space within the body, this can cause pain, especially in joints affected by arthritis.

Arthritis and Cold Weather

While everyone’s body reacts to body pain due to cold weather, people with arthritis are more vulnerable to cold weather discomfort. However, arthritis is not the only condition that can impact your body during winter. Those with chronic pain can also feel the cold more. Additionally, bad weather can affect people’s moods; if you are sad or depressed, the perception of joint pain can be magnified.

Reduce your risk for joint pain in winter

  • Ease the shock of cold weather on your body by dressing in layers to stay warm.
  • Build up muscle and bone strength through exercise. This reduces pressure on your joints, so they are less prone to injury.
  • Maintain a healthy weight to decrease stress on your joints, especially your knees.
  • Avoid unnecessary strain on your joints during daily activities.
  • Apply heating pads to painful areas. Heat helps relax your muscles.
  • Get up, walk around and be active indoors and outdoors. Stretch before going outside to loosen stiff joints. Staying active in the winter keeps your muscles and joints healthy.
  • Get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy diet and keep a positive outlook.

When should I consult a doctor about joint pain?

If you experience any unusual or new symptoms with your joints — such as persistent swelling, redness, difficulty putting pressure on, or using, the joint — it’s a good idea to consult your physician. If you have consistent or severe pain that becomes disabling, seek medical care right away.

 

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Sara Wallace, MD

Sara Wallace, MD, is an orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in joint care. Dr. Wallace treats a wide range of common and complex hip and knee conditions, performing surgical procedures to restore mobility and reduce joint pain.

Learn more about Dr. Wallace
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