Influence of Weather Conditions on Rheumatic Pain

Introduction

Individuals with rheumatic diseases, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia, observe that the painful symptoms of the disease are affected by changes in weather conditions. While the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, research suggests that changes in temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure may be responsible for this phenomenon.

What Is Rheumatic Pain?

Rheumatic pain refers to any type of pain that is caused by a rheumatic disease or condition. Rheumatic diseases are autoimmune, inflammatory diseases that occur when the immune system attacks the healthy cells and tissues of the body, which affect the joints, bones, muscles, and organs. The condition can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness of the joints and muscles

Some common examples of rheumatic diseases include:

1. Osteoarthritis - a disease that causes degradation of joints.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis - a disease condition that causes painful joints.

3. Lupus - a disease condition that causes skin rashes and painful joints.

4. Fibromyalgia - a disease condition causing musculoskeletal pain.

5. Gout - a disease condition causing painful joints from crystal deposition of uric acid.

6. Ankylosing Spondylitis - a disease condition where the bones in the vertebrae begin to fuse.

These conditions can cause pain in various parts of the body, such as the hands, wrists, knees, hips, and back. The pain associated with rheumatic diseases is sharp and throbbing and can be chronic, significantly impacting a person's quality of life.

What Are the Symptoms of Rheumatic Pain?

The symptoms of rheumatic pain can vary depending on the specific condition causing the pain. Some of the general rheumatic pain symptoms are as follows:

• Joint Pain - Rheumatic pain affects the smaller joints such as wrists, hands, and ankles, and progresses to the larger joints such as the knee, and lower back with time. The pain may be sharp, stabbing, or dull, and it may be worse with movement.

• Stiffness - Rheumatic pain can cause stiffness in the affected joints, making it difficult to move the joint or perform normal activities, especially in the morning hours or after prolonged inactivity.

• Swelling - Inflammatory rheumatic conditions (rheumatoid arthritis) can cause swelling in the affected joints. The affected area may be tender, red, and warm to the touch.

• Fatigue - Many rheumatic conditions can cause fatigue and a feeling of general tiredness.

• Muscle Pain - Some rheumatic conditions, such as fibromyalgia, can cause muscle pain throughout the body.

• Limited Motion - The movement of the joints can get affected due to the presence of pain, swelling, and stiffness.

How Does the Weather Affect Rheumatic Conditions?

Several studies have shown a relationship between rheumatic pain and weather conditions. The most common medical conditions reported to be weather-sensitive are rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lower back pain, and fibromyalgia. While the symptoms may vary among individuals, women were shown to be more sensitive to weather-associated rheumatic pain compared to men. Factors such as age and weight of the individuals had no effect on the rheumatic pain experienced during changes in weather conditions. Weather conditions such as changes in temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, and even rain and sunlight seem to influence rheumatic pain.

• Temperature - Cold weather can cause the muscles and joints to contract, reducing their range of motion and causing pain. Whereas, warm weather can cause swelling and inflammation in the joints, which can also lead to pain. Individuals may also experience stiffer joints in lower temperatures due to the thickening of the fluid present between the joints. This may be the reason why some individuals with rheumatic diseases feel more comfortable in moderate temperatures unlike in cold or humid conditions.

• Humidity - High humidity levels can increase the stiffness of the joints and cause pain. This is because moisture in the air can cause the tissues around the joints to swell, putting pressure on nerves and increasing pain. Pain may become severe when humidity increases in fog or mist conditions.

• Barometric Pressure - Barometric pressure is the weight of air around. Barometric pressure depends on temperature, altitude, air density, and moisture content. Changes in barometric pressure can cause changes in the pressure within joints. At higher altitudes, the air pressure drops, and the oxygen availability is also lower, this can cause a decrease in oxygen supply to the muscles; as a result, individuals may experience increased pain and discomfort. Studies have shown that rheumatoid arthritic individuals experienced exacerbated pain due to changes in barometric pressure.

• Rain - Studies showed a significant increase in pain for individuals with osteoarthritis on days of rain compared to individuals with other rheumatic diseases. On rainy days naturally, individuals prefer staying indoors but staying indoors and remaining inactive with minimal movement makes the joints stiffer which in turn causes pain. Studies have reported rheumatic individuals experience severe pain when wind speed increases during rains or thunderstorms.

• Sunlight - Exposure to sunlight can cause changes in the body's levels of vitamin D, which is important for bone health. Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Overexposure to sunlight can cause dehydration and heat stroke, which can also increase pain in joints and muscles for individuals with rheumatic diseases.

How to Prevent Rheumatic Pain During Weather Changes?

How weather affects each individual varies among individuals with rheumatic conditions. Studies have shown moderate temperature gives individuals the most comfort. In cold weather conditions, keeping warm with the use of clothing (socks, woolen clothes), a hot water bath, or even warm food may provide relief from the pain experienced to a certain extent. In highly humid and hot conditions, stay hydrated, wear appropriate clothing (loose, cotton clothing), and use ventilation (fans and air conditioners) to cool the surroundings to a moderate degree is advised. It is important to stay protected from excessive sunlight exposure by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, staying hydrated, and taking frequent breaks in the shade or indoors during peak sun hours. Severe exacerbations of pain can be managed with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (for example, Ibuprofen).

Regardless of the weather condition, gentle exercise is a must to prevent stiffness and pain in joints and muscles for rheumatic individuals. Rheumatic diseases do not have a permanent cure. Managing the symptoms is key to having a quality life. Good nutrition, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting adequate sleep are important.

Conclusion

Weather can affect rheumatic pain, but it can differ depending on the underlying condition and individual sensitivity to weather. The impact of weather on rheumatic pain is not connected to the weather of the preceding or subsequent days. People with rheumatic conditions can alleviate their symptoms by dressing appropriately for the weather, staying active, and receiving regular follow-up care to manage the disease.