It’s not just the “cold,” but the other adjective that often accompanies a description of winter weather – “damp” – that can translate into increased arthritis pain.
Moisture in the air is escorted by a drop in barometric pressure. “We think that as the barometric pressure drops, the tissues expand, putting more pressure on the nerves that relay the pain messages to the brain,” says Sean Whalen, MD of Flexogenix®. “Where there isn’t as much variation in temperature and barometric pressure, we don’t see this cold-season increase in pain.”
Environmental impact
Obviously, location and climate are linked. Dr. Whalen says they’re more likely to note an increase in arthritis pain in Flexogenix®’s North Carolina offices than in downtown Los Angeles.
Still, he points to a 2007 study by Tufts University that found an incremental increase in arthritis pain for every 10-degree drop in temperature. And changes in the outdoor environment can impact personal environments as well:
- Normal routines aren’t followed.
- Have to leave earlier for work – and return later because of the weather-snarled commute
- It’s too nasty to take a walk
- Comfort foods are craved
- The risk for slipping and falling increases.
- Exercise practices are kicked to the back burner.
“There’s not a whole lot we can do about the barometric pressure, but there are pre-emptive measures that can be taken to change that pain threshold,” says Dr. Whalen.
Exercise is critical
Make exercise a priority, a day-to-day pattern. Devise a plan that includes indoor, outdoor and at-home options to mitigate being disrupted by weather.
Then, if there is a misstep on a wet or icy surface, a safety net has already been built in because lifestyle choices have previously strengthened the musculoskeletal system. Subsequently, there is less likelihood of injury.
Get to a healthy weight
Many studies indicate the link between weight and joint health. Without factoring in weather, while walking on level ground, the force on the knees is the equivalent of 1½ times the body weight. That means a 200-pound man will put 300 pounds of pressure on his knees with each step, which increases to two to three times body weight when going up or down stairs, and four to five times body weight when squatting to tie a shoelace or pick up a dropped item.
Finding arthritis pain relief with Flexogenix®
Flexogenix® believes in utilizing state-of-the-art regenerative medicine protocols even before a patient is symptomatic to help stave off symptoms in the first place and maintain that symptom-free status quo for as long as possible. However, if symptoms have started, Flexogenix®’s Knee-Flex 5-Step can help by stopping the breakdown of cartilage, lubricating and protecting the joint, restoring muscular strength, restoring knee alignment and eliminating residual pain.
Don’t wait for the next drop in barometric pressure. Schedule your complementary consultation today – the first step in readying your body for all seasons - and for years to come.
