For centuries, people have claimed that their painful joints can predict changes in weather conditions, often signaling increased discomfort before rain or cold fronts. Given the scale and duration, there is a feeling of legitimacy to these anecdotes – but this phenomenon remains scientifically controversial.
From barometric pressure changes to temperature fluctuations, many theories are trying to explain how environmental factors could influence joint pain. But is there an anatomical base for this assertion, or is it simply a myth of lasting time? Are our joints more reliable than the Pet Office?
At the heart of this debate is found barometric pressureAlso known as atmospheric pressure – the force exerted by air molecules in the earth’s atmosphere. Although invisible, the air has a mass and the “weight” pressing us fluctuates with altitude and time systems.
A higher barometric pressure often signals conditions in fair weather with a clear sky and calm winds, while the low pressure generally precedes unstable time, such as cloudy sky, precipitation and humidity.
Mobile joints are complex structures covered by synovial liquidThe viscous liquid that lubricates the joints, and locked up in capsules rich in nerve endings. In healthy joints, these components should allow a smooth and painless movement. However, when the joints are compromised by damage to cartilage (as in osteoarthritis) or inflammation (as in rheumatoid arthritis), even subtle changes in the environment can be felt intensively.
A main hypothesis suggests that barometric pressure changes can directly influence joint discomfort. When atmospheric pressure drops before storms, it can allow the inflamed tissues of the joints to develop slightly, increasing stress on the surrounding nerves and the amplification of pain. Conversely, rapid pressure increases, characteristics of just -time systems, can compress already sensitive tissues, causing discomfort in some people.
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Scientific studies offer some support for these claims, although the results remain mixed. For example, a 2007 study Published in the American Journal of Medicine found a light but significant correlation between the drop in barometric pressure and the increase in knee pain in arthritis patients. However, this model is not universally observed in all joint conditions.
A Systematic examination 2011 In arthritis, research and therapy examined the relationship between weather conditions and pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. He revealed very variable responses: while some people reported increased pain in low pressure conditions, others noted any change. Some even experienced discomfort during high pressure fronts.
More recently, one (2019 citizenship project) called Cloudy with a chance of pain Used the monitoring of applications based on applications to explore this connection. THE study found a modest association between the drop in pressure and increased joint pain, but it has also highlighted substantial individual differences in the way people perceive pain linked to weather conditions.
These results suggest that if barometric pressure changes can influence joint pain for some, the responses are far from uniform and depend on a complex interaction of factors, including the underlying joint state of the individual and Global sensitivity to pain.
Why the answers differ
Barometric pressure rarely acts in isolation. Temperature and humidity fluctuations often accompany pressure changes, complicating the image.
Cold can have a pronounced effect on the joints, especially in people with existing joint conditions. Basse temperatures cause Contract and become more rigidThis can cause reduced flexibility and a greater risk of tension or discomfort.
The ligaments, which connect the bones to each other, and the tendons, which anchor the muscles with the bones, can also lose part of their elasticity in colder conditions. This decrease in valuation can make joint movement more limited and exacerbate pain in conditions such as arthritis.
Cold weather can also cause a narrowing of blood vessels – especially in the ends, because the body favors the maintenance of the central temperature. This reduced blood flow can deprive affected oxygen areas and essential nutrients, slowing the elimination of metabolic waste such as lactic acid, which can accumulate in tissues and exacerbate inflammation and discomfort.
For people with inflammatory conditions, reduced circulation can worsen swelling and stiffness, especially in small joints such as those of fingers and toes.
The cold also slows the activity of the synovial fluid. At lower temperatures, liquid becomes less effective reduce frictionThis can increase joint stiffness and make movement more painful, especially for people with degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis.
Sudden temperature changes can also play a role. Rapid changes can question the body’s ability to adapt, which could worsen pain in people with chronic diseases. Likewise, high humidity can intensify the feelings of heat or humidity in the already inflamed areas, further complicating the experience of pain.
However, isolate a single variable – whether humidity, temperature or pressure – behaves difficult due to the interaction of the factors that are overlapping.
Responses to weather conditions also depend on individual factors, in particular the extent of joint lesions, overall sensitivity to pain and psychological expectations. This variability makes it difficult to link a single meteorological factor to a biological response.
However, the evidence suggests that people with joint conditions tend to be more attentive to environmental changes, in particular pressure fluctuations.
Although the relationship between weather and joint pain remains an imperfect science, collective evidence indicates that there can be a certain truth to secular belief. For those who have chronic joint conditions, barometric pressure changes and the accompanying weather changes could indeed serve as a nature warning system – although the one who is far from infallible.