Does Weather Really Affect Your Pain and Joints?
Does Weather Really Affect Your Pain and Joints?
It’s February 2025 in Townsville, and I’m seeing sunlight for the first time in 3 weeks. I’ve noticed an increase in patients reporting greater pain levels - due to the rainy weather. It has gotten me thinking, is there any merit to this claim?
If you suffer from joint pain, osteoarthritis (OA), or other musculoskeletal conditions, you may have noticed that your symptoms feel worse when the weather changes. Many people report increased stiffness, aches, and discomfort when it’s cold, humid, or raining. But is there any scientific basis for this, or is it just a perception?
In this blog, we’ll explore if weather truly affects joint pain, what the research says, and how you can manage weather-related discomfort.
Why Do People Think Weather Affects Joint Pain?
Since mankinds first creaky joint, people have associated weather changes with joint pain, particularly those with arthritis or previous injuries. The most common complaints include:
Increased stiffness and discomfort in colder temperatures
Worsening joint pain before or during rainy days
More swelling and inflammation in humid conditions
Increased muscle tightness and nerve sensitivity
Many believe that drops in barometric pressure (the weight of air around us) can cause tissues to expand, leading to joint discomfort and inflammation. Others point to temperature changes, which can cause muscles to contract and make joints feel stiffer. But does science support these claims?
What Does the Research Say?
There have been multiple studies investigating the link between weather and joint pain, with mixed results.
BMJ Study (2017): No Strong Link Between Rain and Joint Pain
A large-scale study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) analyzed over 11 million medical visits for arthritis and joint pain in the U.S. Researchers compared these visits with local weather patterns, including rainfall, temperature, and humidity.
Findings:
There was no significant correlation between rainy days and increased joint pain complaints.
The study concluded that the belief in weather-related joint pain may be a perception rather than a direct cause.
🔗 Read the BMJ Study
Harvard Study (2019): Expectation Bias & Pain Perception
A Harvard Medical School study also examined weather conditions and arthritis pain. After reviewing data from 1.5 million people, researchers found no clear link between joint pain and weather patterns.
Key Takeaways:
The study suggests that people expect pain during bad weather, making them more aware of discomfort.
This expectation bias could explain why many people feel their symptoms worsen, even if the weather isn’t directly affecting their joints.
🔗 Read the Harvard Health Study
Can Weather Still Influence Joint Pain?
Despite the research, many osteoarthritis (OA) sufferers and chronic pain patients still report noticeable differences in their pain levels based on the weather. While studies haven’t proven a direct cause, individual sensitivity to temperature, humidity, and pressure changes may play a role. Here’s how (and remember these are just theories):
✅ Barometric Pressure Drops – Lower air pressure can lead to slight swelling in joint tissues, which might cause discomfort.
✅ Cold Temperatures – Muscle tightness and reduced circulation in the cold can make OA symptoms worse.
✅ Humidity & Inflammation – High humidity levels may contribute to fluid retention in joints, leading to increased stiffness.
While the link is not definitive, weather changes may still indirectly affect pain levels due to changes in circulation, and inflammation.
How to Manage Joint Pain in Changing Weather
If you experience weather-related joint pain, here are some effective strategies to manage your symptoms:
1️⃣ Stay Warm – Dress in layers, use heating pads, or take warm baths to keep your joints flexible.
2️⃣ Stay Active – Gentle exercises like walking, stretching, and your usual exercise can help maintain joint health and function.
3️⃣ Hydrate Well – Proper hydration can reduce stiffness and support joint lubrication.
4️⃣ Consider Vitamin D – Sunlight exposure and Vitamin D supplements can help strengthen bones and reduce pain sensitivity, not to mention your mood!
5️⃣ Compression Support – Using knee braces or compression sleeves can provide joint stability and reduce swelling.
6️⃣ Pain Management Physiotherapy – A physiotherapy treatment plan tailored to your needs can help improve mobility and reduce pain, regardless of weather conditions.
Final Thoughts: Fact or Perception?
While studies like those from BMJ and Harvard Medical School suggest no definitive link between weather and joint pain, many people with osteoarthritis, arthritis, or past injuries continue to feel a difference. I tend to think the link is mainly due to changes in activity levels during weather changes, couple with bias and expectation.
✅ Whether it’s due to barometric pressure, temperature changes, or psychological expectation, weather-related joint pain is very real for many individuals.
At Physio PM, we help clients manage their pain with personalised physiotherapy programs, joint mobility exercises, and expert pain relief strategies. If you’re struggling with joint pain—weather-related or not—our team is here to help!
📍 Book a consultation with PhysioPM today to discuss pain relief strategies tailored to your needs.
