You may think that there’s no truth in the fact that some people’s aches and pains can forecast weather change. But studies do confirm that weather conditions can impact the body in various ways, including triggering a flare-up of past injuries.
For some, the barometric pressure may affect arthritis of the joints, causing pain when the weather changes. For others, migraines occur more frequently in certain weather conditions. Whatever the science behind it, it does seem that weather-related pain is a real condition.
If you’re experiencing pain due to past injuries, you may need to visit a local orthopedic clinic to find real relief and healing.
Past Injuries and the Weather
Most often, weather-related pain occurs in injured joints or at the site of a previously broken bone. The most common body parts to experience aches or pains as the weather changes are knees and ankles.
While scientists aren’t entirely sure exactly what causes pain when it rains, it is known to be related to the barometric pressure. The barometric pressure drops when storms are rolling in, and somehow, the body detects this change, causing swelling of soft tissue or expanding of joint fluid. These changes in the collection are what ultimately lead to pain.
If you suffer from inflammation or fluid already around the joints, you are more likely to feel it when the weather changes than others. But the fact remains that that achy, painful feeling can be uncomfortable.
Ease Weather-Related Pain
It’s not just rain that makes our bodies hurt. Cold can also impact the body, specifically the joints. One of the best things you can do to ease joint pain in colder weather is to warm up. Turn up the heat in the house, sleep with warm blankets, use an electric blanket, and bundle up.
To relieve fluid build-up, that is the source of pain during weather changes, reduce the swelling by wearing compression socks or gloves. If humidity is the source of joint or injury pain, staying indoors and out of moisture is recommended.
Exercise can relieve stiffness in joints and reduce fluid around joints. Also, be sure to drink lots and lots of water to stay hydrated because dehydration only adds to the pain.
Being proactive during weather changes is one of the best things you can do. If you know of changing weather patterns coming, it can be beneficial to talk to your doctor about anti-inflammatory medication or vitamins that are beneficial for easing joint pain.
How Can Orthopedic Specialists Help Fight Aches and Pains?
Sometimes, medications, vitamins, or supplements aren’t enough to ease the pain. If this is the case, an orthopedic specialist can work with you to create a treatment plan to manage your pain.
Physical therapy can go a long way towards improving your range of motion while reducing inflammation and stiffness. In-office and at-home exercises combined with anti-inflammatories, is the first step towards finding relief.
Next Steps
No one wants to live with pain. If the weather affects old injuries or chronic joint pain, there’s hope with treatment from expert orthopedic specialists at AICA Orthopedics. Proven treatment methods correctly implemented to treat your injury or chronic pain can help you find the relief you have been looking for. Don’t let the weather, injuries, or discomfort keep you down. Contact our orthopedic specialists at AICA Orthopedics to find out how we can help alleviate your pain and improve your quality of life in any weather.
