Written by Dr. Stephanie
If you believed Grandpa, his knee could tell him when it was going to rain. While large scale
population studies have failed to show direct statistical links, for many people weather changes
seem to arrive in their joints before they appear on the forecast – myself included. Arthritis or old
injuries can rear its ugly head when the temperature drops and the barometric pressure fluctuates.
Although scientists are still working to understand exactly why weather affects some people
more than others, let’s take a closer look to understand how this might not be all in our head.
Barometric pressure is the weight of the atmosphere pressing against the Earth’s surface. It
changes with weather systems, often falling as certain storms approach. It is plausible that
changes in external pressure may affect the tissues surrounding a joint. Joints contain fluid,
cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and other structures that respond to mechanical forces. When
atmospheric pressure decreases, subtle changes in the pressure balance around sensitive tissues
may contribute to discomfort – especially in people who already have inflammation or damaged
joint structures.
Cold temperatures can also make already uncomfortable joints feel even less cooperative. When
the body is exposed to cold, blood vessels near the skin narrow to help conserve heat. Muscles
can tighten, and people often unconsciously tense their shoulders, change their posture, or move
more cautiously. Hands can feel less nimble, knees may seem harder to bend, and getting out of
bed on a chilly morning can just plain require a little extra effort.
While winter’s chill can affect our ease of movement, it also can affect our desire to move. A
routine post-breakfast walk might easily turn into an extra hour on the couch on a damp, cold
November morning. Yardwork, outdoor exercise, and errands are less appealing in yucky
weather and truthfully most of us will trade movement for more computer or phone time. This
scenario presents the likelihood of sitting longer in poor positions that contribute to spinal
misalignments, hip pain and stiff knees. Since joints do best with movement, incoming storms
and cold fronts can create a frustrating cycle: the weather makes you uncomfortable, so you
move less; moving less makes you feel stiffer; and that stiffness makes you even less inclined to
move. Breaking this cycle is one of the most useful things you can do for your joints. I
personally haven’t taken an over-the-counter pain reliever in over 28 years. Instead, I employ
holistic strategies and home remedies. Here are five things I have used personally to beat
weather-related stiffness, aches and pains.
1.Moist Heat: Those microwavable corn/rice bags you can find at craft fairs are amazing
to provide convenient moist heat. A hot shower or bath also relaxes tight muscles,
reduces stiffness and makes it easier to move. The gentle warmth may be especially welcome
first thing in the morning or after sitting for an extended period. But keep in mind, people with
inflammatory arthritis may sometimes benefit more from cold therapy during an active flare,
depending on their symptoms – consult your doctor for recommendations.
2. Paraffin Wax: This can be a good relief for those suffering with osteoarthritis in their
hands or feet. Paraffin wax dips provide moist heat that can temporarily ease hand
stiffness and make everyday activities, such as buttoning a shirt or opening a jar, more
manageable. A home wax dip machine starts at $45 on Amazon and makes a great
holiday gift.
3. Exercise: One of the best ways to support joint health during changing weather is to keep
your body moving. Low-impact exercise can help maintain flexibility, strengthen the
muscles surrounding joints, improve balance, and support overall mobility without
placing excessive stress on sensitive areas. Walking indoors, swimming in a heated pool,
water aerobics, stationary cycling, and Pilates are all options worth considering. If your
knees or hips are uncomfortable, water-based exercise can be particularly helpful because
the buoyancy of water reduces the load placed on weight-bearing joints.
4. Chiropractic Adjustments: Everyone benefits from a well aligned spine. But for people
dealing with recurring back pain, neck stiffness, or other musculoskeletal complaints,
chiropractic care is an important component of a broader approach to maintaining
mobility and function. A 2013 study published in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage found that
patient education combined with 12 chiropractic treatments (twice a week for six weeks)
was more effective for hip osteoarthritis than a daily stretching program or patient
education alone.
5. Biomat: This one is a little expensive, but worth the investment in my opinion. The
Biomat delivers Far Infrared at 5.6 to 15 microns, penetrating 6 to 8 centimeters to reach
joints and deep connective tissues where discomfort originates, well beyond what a
standard heating pad can access. The BioMat holds FDA 510(k) Class II Medical Device
clearance that specifically names arthritis pain, joint pain and stiffness, and muscle
spasms as approved indications.
It can be frustrating when a change in the weather makes us feel less than our best. Pay attention
to your own patterns. If you consistently notice more stiffness on cold mornings or before
storms, use that information to plan ahead. Weather may be beyond our control, but learning to
work with our bodies for better outcomes is not.