As the temperatures drop and the seasons change, many people with joint pain begin to notice their symptoms intensify. The cold weather can make conditions like arthritis, bursitis, and other musculoskeletal issues seem unbearable. If you find that your joints ache more in the winter months, you are not alone. But what exactly causes cold weather to worsen joint pain, and how can you find relief?

For same-day joint pain relief, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Clark. Our board-certified medical team is available 7 days a week to evaluate your condition. No appointments are required, just stop by at your convenience.

Why Does Cold Weather Cause Joint Pain?

1. Lower Barometric Pressure

Temperature affects the pressure of an environment and during cold weather, the barometric pressure in particular drops. Lower barometric pressure isn’t good for the body and what it does to the joint in particular makes it all the more true. This lower pressure causes swelling in the joints due to the pressure differential between the inside of your body and the outside. This causes swelling and reduces the already small spaces in the joint capsules causing joint pain. In some situations, this pain might become more severe if there was a prior injury to that joint.

2. Effects of Cold Weather on The Body’s Internal System

While the lower pressure does severely affect the body, it is the direct effect of cold weather on the body’s internals that creates the most joint pain. The blood vessels in the human body tend to constrict when exposed to cold to conserve heat. This reduces blood flow to other parts of your body such as your hands and wrist. Reduced blood flow causes pain and stiffness as a result of the reduced oxygenated blood.

The cold also affects other fluids apart from the blood such as the Synovial which is an oily fluid that serves as a lubricant for the joint. The problem is that like all fluids, cold causes this particular fluid to become more thicker and viscous causing the joints to become stiffer and for the tissue to rub against one another, triggering pain.

3. Reduction In Physical Activity.

It reduces physical activity due to the fear of catching a cold or hypothermia and while this is a good idea to keep yourself the same, it causes your joints to become rusty. Rusty in the sense that they could get used to minimal movement and reduce blood flow to your legs.

Way To Relieve Joint Pain During Winter

• By Staying Warm: Cold temperature causes the blood vessels and joints to constrict, so warmth makes them expand and counteract this action. By maintaining your body temperature, you also reduce the viscosity and thickness of the Synovial fluid, making it flow more easily and relieving you of joint pain.

• Regularly Drinking Water: Drinking water regularly helps regulate your body temperature and prevent joint pain. Water also replenishes the body's fluids.

• Exercising Regularly: One of the causes of joint pain is reduced activity and you can combat this by keeping your body active or exercising regularly. This will shake off your rusty joints and increase blood flow to your extremities. This increased blood flow also removes all arthritis-like symptoms like joint pain and increases the overall temperature of the body.

• Consult a Healthcare Provider: If joint pain becomes unbearable or affects your daily activities, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider. They may suggest physical therapy, medications, or other treatments that can help alleviate the pain.

Get Joint Pain Relief at AFC Urgent Care Clark

Cold weather can indeed make joint pain worse for many people, but with the right strategies, you can minimize discomfort and stay active. By keeping your body warm, staying active, and seeking professional advice when necessary, you can help reduce the impact of the winter months on your joints. If joint pain is affecting your quality of life, come visit us at AFC Urgent Care Clark to discuss your symptoms and get advice on the best course of treatment. Our experienced team of healthcare providers can provide the best treatment and recommendations for care—every day of the week! We accept most major health insurances and offer cost-effective care for self-paying patients. For more information about joint pain treatment, or other services we provide, please call us directly at (732) 301-5114.