Have you noticed that your joints hurt when the weather drops? Perhaps you’ve heard others complain that their knees ache in certain temperatures. It’s not all in your head. The weather really does affect your joints! Cooler temperatures and rainy days alike can cause joint pain for any number of reasons. 

Cold Weather and Joint Pain

There are many explanations for why dropping temperatures affect the joints. One relates to changes in barometric pressure, which causes the tendons, muscles and surrounding tissues to expand slightly. With limited extra space in the body, this can cause pain, especially in arthritic joints. 

Another explanation is that when the body is cold, it tries to conserve heat, sending blood to the organs in the center of the body. That means there is less blood circulation in the arms, shoulders, hips and knee joints, causing them to stiffen and be uncomfortable. 

Which Joints Are At Risk?

Generalized joint pain is a common complaint, especially in the fall and winter seasons. While it can occur anywhere in the body, weight-bearing joints are most likely to be burdened by cold-weather-pains. The knees, hips and ankles are already at-risk joints for runners, so the cold can quickly exacerbate this issue. 

When You Should See A Doctor

The sports medicine doctors at Rejuvinix specialize in keeping the joints happy, healthy and functioning properly. The first step to achieving healthy joints is preventing injury, which we can do year-round! If you’re an active individual or you’re seeking to become active, we can help you achieve safe exercise practices to protect your joints. For individuals with arthritis, we can help you find relief through our non-invasive therapies. 

To schedule an appointment today with Rejuvinix, call 855-782-1040, or book your appointment online!