How Weather Changes Can Affect Joint Pain and What to Do About It

Closeup of older woman's hands around her knee, experiencing joint pain in the winter If your joints seem to ache more on cold or rainy days, you’re not imagining things. Many people notice that weather changes, especially in winter, can make their joint pain worse. Whether it’s the chill in the air or sudden shifts in pressure, these changes can leave you feeling stiff and sore.

At Bone & Joint Specialists, serving Merrillville, Highland, and Hobart, Indiana, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons know how weather can affect your joint health, and we can help you find relief with our various services.

How Weather Impacts Joint Pain

Weather changes can influence joint pain in more ways than one. Barometric pressure, the force of the air around us, often drops before storms or during colder weather. This change can cause tissues around the joints to swell, increasing pain and stiffness. Cold temperatures can also reduce blood flow, which may tighten your muscles and make joints feel achy or hard to move.

Those with arthritis, past injuries, or joint degeneration are often more sensitive to these changes. Winter joint pain is particularly common because the colder weather can also make it harder to stay consistently active, leaving you with even stiffer joints.

Practical Tips to Manage Weather Joint Pain

While you can’t control the weather, there are still a few steps you can take to feel better.

  • Stay Active: Gentle activities like walking or stretching can keep your joints moving and prevent stiffness. 
  • Keep Warm: Layer up with warm clothing and use heating pads on achy areas to improve circulation.
  • Eat for Your Joints: Be sure to stay hydrated and include anti-inflammatory foods, like fatty fish and leafy greens, in your meals.
  • Seek Support: If your pain is persistent or severe, talk to one of our professionals about possible treatment options, including physical therapy, injections, medication, bracing, or surgical procedures.

When to Seek Help

If joint pain interferes with your daily life, it’s time to take action. At Bone & Joint Specialists in Merrillville, Highland, and Hobart, we specialize in diagnosing and treating joint pain with advanced techniques.

Call us at 219-795-3360 to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you feel better, no matter the weather!

Get in Touch

As per HIPAA regulations, this form is not intended for medical advice. Please use our patient portal for any medical queries or concerns.

* All indicated fields must be completed.
Please include non-medical questions and correspondence only.

Office Hours

Monday: 8am - 5pm
Tuesday: 8am - 5pm
Wednesday: 8am - 5pm
Thursday: 8am - 5pm
Friday: 8am - 4pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Accessibility Toolbar

Scroll to Top