Many of our patients have been feeling the icy cold effect of Melbourne’s weather, particularly on joint pain related to their Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis. We are frequently asked questions such as “Does my Osteoarthritis get worse with the cold?” or “Why are my joints more sore in the cold weather?”
Let’s look into the effect of cold weather changes and Osteoarthritis…
Up until this day, the scientific literature on arthritis pain and cold weather yields very mixed results with some studies showing a strong correlation between the two, and other studies negating the link between cold weather and arthritis.
Despite the research being unclear, from my perspective as a Physiotherapist who has seen several patients with Osteoarthritis, I would agree that many patients experience worsening symptoms with the cold Melbourne weather. Whilst this weather does not change the severity of osteoarthritis on xray, I have come to understand the impact that cooler climates have on joint pain.
Whilst there is no clear-cut mechanism for why we pain can increase in the colder months, here are a few things that might contribute:
1. Tissue stiffening
The cold weather can be a driver for increased stiffening or tightness in our ligaments, muscles and tendons. Additionally, the constriction of blood vessels reduces the flow of blood to muscles and can have mild impacts on muscle function.
2. Increased nerve sensitivity
Some studies have looked at the impact of cold weather on the sensitivity of our neural system and have found that cold weather can be associated with heightened sensitivity responses in our peripheral system.
3. Moving less
Typically with colder days, people are less likely to take part in regular physical activity. This reduction in movement means that you are not circulating fluid around the joints, and not training the muscles which support the joint, therefore leading to increased pain and stiffness.
4. Changes in Barometric Pressure
As weather changes, barometric pressure (air pressure) changes and has been thought to impact joints by allowing tissues surrounding joints to expand slightly and lead to discomfort.
5. Weight gain
Whilst eating more food comes hand in hand with cold weather due to the increased caloric demand on our body, excessive weight gain can commonly occur in the colder months. Increased weight gain (although not always a negative), can put more load on our body’s tissues, therefore leading to increased symptoms.
6. Psychological discomfort
Many osteoarthritis patients may fear the cold due to the thought of joint stiffening and pain from previous or second-hand experience, and this can subconsciously alter pain exacerbation.
Whilst I am sure we would all like to move to a warmer location to escape the cold Melbourne weather, there are plenty of things you can do to help your osteoarthritis pain whilst braving the winter months:
· Get moving
All Physiotherapists harp on about moving the body, and cold weather-effected arthritis is no exception to the rule. Finding ways to get the body moving such as a gentle cycle on the indoor bike can assist in improving knee pain and stiffness.
· Heat therapy
Heat is often used as a muscle relaxant and can help reduce some of the stiffness associated with the cold weather. It can provide increased blood flow, downregulate hypersensitivity and allow for psychological comfort.
· Dress for the weather
Putting on the extra layer and rugging up is a simple way of reducing the impact of cold temperatures on the thermoreceptor mechanism thought to induce cold-weather pain.
· Hands-on therapy (e.g. massage)
Similarly to heat therapy, massage can help to relax the muscles and reduce the feeling of tightness or stiffness.
· Monitor weight
Whilst some weight gain is normal in the colder months as a regular body mechanism of insulation, excessive weight gain increases stress on tissues. Keeping a close eye on this and adjusting lifestyle habits accordingly can assist with reducing pain.
· Mitigate other drivers of pain such as stress, poor sleep and anxiety.
The GLA:D Program for Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis is an evidence-based exercise and education program which is designed to empower patients and improve their pain and function in the long-term. If you have Hip or Knee Osteoarthritis, book in a free initial consultation with our GLA:D Certified Practitioner, Caz, to see if you are eligible and to find the most appropriate treatment pathway for you.
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