Why does arthritis hurt so much more when the weather is cool and wet? Other than moving to Arizona, what can?

be done about this?Why does arthritis hurt so much more when the weather is cool and wet? Other than moving to Arizona, what can?
There appears to be a connection between barometric [pressure] changes and arthritis flareups. The theory goes likes this:



"A drop in air pressure (which often accompanies cold, rainy weather) allows tissues in the body to expand to fill the space, meaning that already inflamed tissue can swell even more and cause increased arthritis pain. This swelling irritates the nerves around the joints that sense pain and causes more stiffness.



Other possibilities: Pain thresholds drop in colder weather; cold, rainy days affect mood; and during colder weather people are less likely to be outside and get the exercise that normally helps keep arthritis pain in check."



These are still "theories" on how barometric drops in air pressure during cooler and wetter weather affect the tissues of joints and require more study.



There is research out there that suggests that "in the long run" moving to an Arizona type of climate is of not much benefit. "Scientific studies have shown that no matter where people live their bodies seem to establish a new equilibrium to the local climate. As a result, changes in the weather affect the arthritis symptoms in the same manner regardless of the actual overall average weather."



The gold standards for dealing with arthritis regardless of the weather changes are medications and appropriate physical exercise. Adjustments in medications and lifestyle/physical activities adjustments are said to help during weather changes. Immediate relief might also be gained by the use of heat packs or hot showers which can relax the muscles around the joints and relieve stiffness and pain for some. Conversely, ice packs can ease the inflammation in the joints themselves.



So much it seems depends on the individual and type of arthritis one is trying to cope with.Why does arthritis hurt so much more when the weather is cool and wet? Other than moving to Arizona, what can?
I have severe arthritis in both my knees. What I find helps is heat. I keep a heating pad by the bed and set my alarm about 30 minutes early so I get up and put that on and lay in bed for a while with that on. I also have a heating pad at my desk at work so that if my knees start to hurt i put the heating pad on them again.