Weather changes, such as changes in temperature, humidity, and air pressure, may affect arthritis symptoms. Strategies you can try to counter this effect include eating an anti-inflammatory diet, using a dehumidifier, and wearing compression gear.

Arthritis is a complex joint condition involving cartilage breakdown, inflammation, and bone changes. It often leads to symptoms like pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

The link between weather and arthritis pain has been widely debated. Some studies suggest that changes in temperature, humidity, and air pressure can affect symptoms, while others do not show any effect.

Here, we’ll explore the latest findings on how weather might affect arthritis pain.

Heat and humidity often occur together, but these factors may actually have different effects on arthritis symptoms.

A review of 14 studies found that while humidity can worsen osteoarthritis symptoms in some people, heat actually has a protective effect. The study also found that changes in barometric pressure (air pressure) were associated with more pain.

More research is needed to fully understand the reasons for these effects, but if you feel weather changes affect your symptoms, you may want to take extra precautions around these times.

There are several options you can try to help manage your arthritis symptoms during humid weather and other weather changes.

These include:

  • Using a dehumidifier: Keeping indoor humidity low can help reduce discomfort.
  • Wearing breathable clothing: Moisture-wicking fabrics can keep you dry and cool.
  • Following an anti-inflammatory diet: Eating foods rich in omega-3s and antioxidants may help reduce inflammation exacerbated by humidity.
  • Exercising in climate-controlled spaces: Consider choosing air-conditioned gyms or indoor pools.
  • Timing outdoor activities carefully: Humidity is often higher in the early morning and lower in the afternoon, but this can vary depending on the location and weather conditions. Monitor weather forecasts to schedule lighter activities on stormy days.
  • Using heating pads or warm baths: Heat can soothe stiff joints and improve circulation.
  • Maintaining hydration: Dehydration can worsen joint pain. It is important to ensure you are drinking enough liquids throughout the day.
  • Using compression gear: Wearing compression gloves or sleeves can support joints during pressure changes.
  • Taking a warm bath: Soaking in warm water can relieve joint stiffness. People often try Epsom salt baths to help with pain relief, but scientific evidence is lacking to support this claim. However, it’s generally safe for most people to try.

The best climate for people with arthritis is typically warm and dry. Warmer temperatures help relax muscles and improve blood flow, which can reduce joint stiffness and pain. Low humidity is also beneficial, as high humidity tends to increase swelling and inflammation in the joints.

Additionally, stable barometric pressure is ideal because sudden changes in pressure, such as those that occur before storms, can trigger joint pain.

Regions like Arizona or Southern California, with their hot, dry weather and Mediterranean climates, are often reported as helpful for managing arthritis symptoms.

Do the seasons affect arthritis?

One 2020 study found that effects can vary by season for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

The key findings by season were:

  • Winter: Increased humidity was linked to more tender joints.
  • Summer: Rainfall worsened joint tenderness. Lower temperatures and reduced atmospheric pressure were associated with less pain intensity.
  • Spring: No relationship was found between weather and RA symptoms.

Although participants reported more pain and joint tenderness with changes in the weather, these shifts didn’t increase swelling or other objective disease activity scores.

Common treatment options for arthritis include medications such as:

  • nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain and inflammation
  • analgesics for pain relief (without anti-inflammatory effects)
  • corticosteroids to help reduce inflammation
  • disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to help treat autoimmune arthritis
  • biologic response modifiers to help treat RA
  • topical treatments for localized pain

A doctor may also recommend lifestyle measures such as:

  • a range-of-motion exercise to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness
  • strength training to build muscle support around joints
  • aerobic activities that are low impact to help with muscle pain

It may be helpful to speak with a doctor about how the weather may be affecting your arthritis symptoms if you are experiencing:

  • Increased pain or swelling: Noticeable flare-ups, especially with weather changes.
  • Persistent symptoms: Pain or stiffness lasting several days without relief.
  • Changes in mobility: Difficulty with daily activities due to joint issues.
  • Unusual symptoms: Fever, rash, or fatigue alongside joint pain.
  • Weather-related symptom patterns: Consistent symptom changes with temperature, humidity, or pressure shifts.
  • Medication issues: Side effects or ineffective treatment.

Some people with arthritis notice more pain, stiffness, or swelling when temperature, humidity, or atmospheric pressure changes.

Tracking your symptoms can help you identify any weather-related triggers. It can also help you and your doctor to put together a personalized treatment plan for better symptom management.