ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled
| Filter | Status | Condition | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTTP status | PASS | download_http_code = 200 | HTTP 200 |
| Age cutoff | PASS | download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH | 0.1 months ago |
| History drop | PASS | isNull(history_drop_reason) | No drop reason |
| Spam/ban | PASS | fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0 | ml_spam_score=0 |
| Canonical | PASS | meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed | Not set |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| URL | https://www.hingehealth.com/resources/articles/why-do-my-joints-hurt-when-it-rains/ |
| Last Crawled | 2026-04-05 18:33:36 (1 day ago) |
| First Indexed | 2024-11-09 06:42:34 (1 year ago) |
| HTTP Status Code | 200 |
| Meta Title | Why Do My Joints Hurt When It Rains? Causes and Treatments |
| Meta Description | Wondering, "Why do my joints hurt when it rains?" Discover why weather affects joint pain and get exercises to relieve discomfort. |
| Meta Canonical | null |
| Boilerpipe Text | If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “
Why do my joints hurt when it rains?
”, join the club. It’s a question physical therapists hear often.
It may sound like a bit of a wives’ tale,
but aches and pains are more likely to occur in your joints with weather changes
. “It’s a real physiologic process, and it’s quite common,” says Katie Schaner, PT, DPT, a physical therapist at Hinge Health. A 2023 review published in the
Annals of Medicine
, for example, found that weather changes significantly increased osteoarthritis pain. “Some people’s joints even ‘sense’ impending weather changes,” points out Dr. Schaner, because they have increased joint pain or stiffness before it rains.
Anyone can experience joint pain when it rains, but you’re more likely to be affected if you have
arthritis
or have had past joint injuries — such as from playing sports, notes Dr. Schaner. If you’ve ever wondered, “
Why do my joints hurt when it rains?”
, read on. Here’s a closer look at why it happens and what you can do about it.
Katie Schaner, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Dr. Schaner is a Hinge Health physical therapist with special interest in orthopedic conditions, chronic pain, running, performing artists, and vestibular conditions.
Read More
Christynne Helfrich, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist and Clinical Reviewer
Dr. Helfrich is a Hinge Health physical therapist with nearly 15 years of experience. She is an orthopedic certified specialist and is certified in myofascial trigger point therapy.
Read More
Why Do My Joints Hurt When It Rains?
To understand the connection between
joint
pain and rainy weather, we need to take a closer look at how our nerves work. “Our bodies have about 45 miles of nerves that send signals to the brain, alerting it to changes in our environment, like temperature,” explains Dr. Schaner. Nerves contain ion channels that help transmit these electrical signals. “When there’s a change in temperature or humidity, it becomes easier for nerves to send these signals, and they become more sensitive,” says Dr. Schaner. This increased sensitivity makes you more likely to notice and feel pain.
Another reason your joints might ache when it rains is the drop in barometric pressure. Lower air pressure means there’s less force pressing on your body, allowing the muscles and
tendons
around your joints to expand slightly. This expansion can add extra pressure on the joints, leading to feelings of discomfort or achiness.
Changes in weather can also affect your activity level and mood, adds Dr. Schaner. When it’s gloomy and wet, you may be less inclined to be active. “Motion is lotion, so being inactive can increase joint pain and stiffness,” says Dr. Schaner. Additionally, bad weather can negatively impact your
mood
, and there’s a known connection between depression and joint pain.
This is a gentle, full-body stretch that helps relieve tension in your muscles and joints. “It helps your nerves continue to glide and move,” says Dr. Schaner. It also promotes flexibility and blood flow, which can reduce stiffness and discomfort caused by joint pain when it rains.
Standing Child’s Pose
Open Book Rotation
Sit to Stand
Doorway Stretch
Physical therapy (PT) is for more than just recovering from surgery or injury. It’s one of the top treatments for joint and muscle pain. It helps build strength, improve mobility, and reduce pain. And it doesn't always need to be in person.
Hinge Health members can conveniently access customized plans or chat with their care team at home or on the go — and experience an average 68% reduction in pain* within the first 12 weeks of their program.
Learn more
*.
The above stretches and exercises are recommended by Hinge Health physical therapists to help relieve and prevent joint pain when it rains. “It’s important to have a daily movement routine to help alleviate pain that occurs with weather fluctuations,” explains Dr. Schaner. You can modify your movement routine as much as needed to make it work for you. The above exercises are a great place to start.
The information contained in these videos is intended to be used for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or treatment for any specific condition. Hinge Health is not your healthcare provider and is not responsible for any injury sustained or exacerbated by your use of or participation in these exercises. Please consult with your healthcare provider with any questions you may have about your medical condition or treatment.
How to Minimize Joint Pain From Rain: Top 5 Treatments
You’ve probably wondered how to stop joint pain when it rains. There’s no magic cure, but there are things you can do to help minimize its effects when you do experience it.
Consider physical therapy
. A physical therapist (PT) can design an individualized exercise program to strengthen and stretch the muscles around your achy joints, helping to improve
mobility
and reduce stiffness. They can also teach you pain management techniques that allow you to move more comfortably during joint pain flare-ups. You can see a physical therapist in person or
use a program like Hinge Health
to access a PT via telehealth/video visit.
Stay active
. It’s important to exercise daily, says Dr. Schaner. “You want to find ways to maintain an active lifestyle,” she stresses. If it’s cold or rainy, you may be tempted to stay indoors and be more sedentary. “But when we move less, we tend to hurt more,” she says. One activity that is particularly gentle on achy joints is swimming.
Do mind-body therapies
. Practices such as yoga and
tai chi
have been shown
to help relieve joint pain. “They strengthen muscles, but also relax them, which is important for joint pain since we often tense up our muscles unconsciously,” says Dr. Schaner.
Stay warm
. This is particularly important if rain occurs at a time of year when temperatures tend to drop, says Dr. Schaner. “You can also use a heating pad on the sore area to warm up your joints,” she adds. It helps to dress in layers during cooler weather, too, so that you can remove (or add on) as needed to stay warm.
Try over-the-counter pain relievers
. Pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be helpful for joint pain. It’s important to make sure that you are safely able to take these medications, based on your medical history. You may also want to talk to your health care provider about supplements. Certain ones, like turmeric or ginger, have been shown to help relieve joint pain, according to a 2022 review published in the journal
Nutrients
.
PT Tip: Keep Pain in Perspective
Your nerve channels — the pores in nerve cell membranes that allow ions to move in and out — change every couple days, says Dr. Schaner. So while pain may increase temporarily when it rains, try to remember that it should fade away after a day or two.
How Hinge Health Can Help
If you have joint or muscle pain that makes it hard to move, you can get the relief you’ve been looking for with
Hinge Health’s online exercise therapy program
.
The best part: You don’t have to leave your home because our program is digital. That means you can easily get the care you need through our app, when and where it works for you.
Through our program, you’ll have access to therapeutic exercises and stretches for your condition. Additionally, you’ll have a personal care team to guide, support, and tailor our program to you.
See if you qualify for Hinge Health and confirm free coverage through your employer or benefit plan
here
.
This article and its contents are provided for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or professional services specific to you or your medical condition.
$0 cost to you
Join more than 1.2 million members and over 2,800 companies that trust Hinge Health to get relief.
References
Wang, L., Xu, Q., Chen, Y., Zhu, Z., & Cao, Y. (2023). Associations between weather conditions and osteoarthritis pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Annals of Medicine, 55
(1). doi:10.1080/07853890.2023.2196439
Wang, Y., Lu, S., Wang, R., Jiang, P., Rao, F., Wang, B., Zhu, Y., Hu, Y., & Zhu, J. (2018). Integrative effect of yoga practice in patients with knee arthritis.
Medicine, 97
(31), e11742. doi:10.1097/md.0000000000011742 |
| Markdown | [Skip to main content](https://www.hingehealth.com/resources/articles/why-do-my-joints-hurt-when-it-rains/#main)
[Login](https://my.hingehealth.com/users/sign_in "Login")[Request Demo](https://www.hingehealth.com/about/contact/ "Request Demo")[Support](https://www.hingehealth.com/for-members/support/ "Support")
English (United States)
English (United States)
[Login](https://my.hingehealth.com/users/sign_in "Login")[Request Demo](https://www.hingehealth.com/about/contact/ "Request Demo")[Support](https://www.hingehealth.com/for-members/support/ "Support")
English (United States)
English (United States)
- [For Individuals](https://www.hingehealth.com/for-individuals/ "For Individuals")
- Benefit Leaders and Health Plans
- Our Approach
- Learning Center
- About
[Enroll now](https://www.hingehealth.com/for-individuals/)
1. [Hinge Health Learning Center](https://www.hingehealth.com/resources/ "Follow breadcrumb")
2. [Articles](https://www.hingehealth.com/resources/articles/ "Follow breadcrumb")
# Why Do My Joints Hurt When It Rains? Causes, Tips, and Exercises
## Wondering, "Why do my joints hurt when it rains?" Discover why weather affects joint pain and get exercises to relieve discomfort.
\$0 cost to you
Claim your free physical therapy benefit
Published Date: Nov 8, 2024
##### Table of Contents
Why trust Hinge Health
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “*Why do my joints hurt when it rains?*”, join the club. It’s a question physical therapists hear often.
It may sound like a bit of a wives’ tale, **but aches and pains are more likely to occur in your joints with weather changes**. “It’s a real physiologic process, and it’s quite common,” says Katie Schaner, PT, DPT, a physical therapist at Hinge Health. A 2023 review published in the [*Annals of Medicine*](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10120534/ "Annals of Medicine"), for example, found that weather changes significantly increased osteoarthritis pain. “Some people’s joints even ‘sense’ impending weather changes,” points out Dr. Schaner, because they have increased joint pain or stiffness before it rains.
Anyone can experience joint pain when it rains, but you’re more likely to be affected if you have [arthritis](https://www.hingehealth.com/resources/articles/tips-for-managing-arthritis-pain/ "arthritis") or have had past joint injuries — such as from playing sports, notes Dr. Schaner. If you’ve ever wondered, “*Why do my joints hurt when it rains?”*, read on. Here’s a closer look at why it happens and what you can do about it.
### Tap into pain relief. Anytime, anywhere with our app.
Get exercises from a licensed physical therapist and more to relieve your pain. All right from your phone. At \$0 cost to you.
[Start your app tour](https://www.hingehealth.com/apptour)
### Reviewed by our clinical and medical experts
##### Katie Schaner, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Dr. Schaner is a Hinge Health physical therapist with special interest in orthopedic conditions, chronic pain, running, performing artists, and vestibular conditions. [Read More](https://www.hingehealth.com/about/our-medical-experts/katie-schaner "link")
##### Christynne Helfrich, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist and Clinical Reviewer
Dr. Helfrich is a Hinge Health physical therapist with nearly 15 years of experience. She is an orthopedic certified specialist and is certified in myofascial trigger point therapy. [Read More](https://www.hingehealth.com/about/our-medical-experts/christynne-helfrich "link")
## Why Do My Joints Hurt When It Rains?
To understand the connection between [joint](https://www.hingehealth.com/resources/glossary/joint/ "joint") pain and rainy weather, we need to take a closer look at how our nerves work. “Our bodies have about 45 miles of nerves that send signals to the brain, alerting it to changes in our environment, like temperature,” explains Dr. Schaner. Nerves contain ion channels that help transmit these electrical signals. “When there’s a change in temperature or humidity, it becomes easier for nerves to send these signals, and they become more sensitive,” says Dr. Schaner. This increased sensitivity makes you more likely to notice and feel pain.
Another reason your joints might ache when it rains is the drop in barometric pressure. Lower air pressure means there’s less force pressing on your body, allowing the muscles and [tendons](https://www.hingehealth.com/resources/glossary/tendon/ "tendons") around your joints to expand slightly. This expansion can add extra pressure on the joints, leading to feelings of discomfort or achiness.
Changes in weather can also affect your activity level and mood, adds Dr. Schaner. When it’s gloomy and wet, you may be less inclined to be active. “Motion is lotion, so being inactive can increase joint pain and stiffness,” says Dr. Schaner. Additionally, bad weather can negatively impact your [mood](https://www.hingehealth.com/resources/articles/exercise-and-mental-health/ "mood"), and there’s a known connection between depression and joint pain.
#### Exercises for Joint Pain When It Rains
[Want expert care? Check if you're covered for our free program →](https://www.hingehealth.com/for-individuals "Click to access more exercises")
##### Enjoying this content?
Get access to exercises, articles, virtual physical therapy, and more\!
[See if I'm covered →](https://www.hingehealth.com/for-individuals "Click to learn more")
### Standing Child’s Pose
This is a gentle, full-body stretch that helps relieve tension in your muscles and joints. “It helps your nerves continue to glide and move,” says Dr. Schaner. It also promotes flexibility and blood flow, which can reduce stiffness and discomfort caused by joint pain when it rains.
- Standing Child’s Pose
- Open Book Rotation
- Sit to Stand
- Doorway Stretch
💡Did you know?
Physical therapy (PT) is for more than just recovering from surgery or injury. It’s one of the top treatments for joint and muscle pain. It helps build strength, improve mobility, and reduce pain. And it doesn't always need to be in person.
Hinge Health members can conveniently access customized plans or chat with their care team at home or on the go — and experience an average 68% reduction in pain\* within the first 12 weeks of their program. [Learn more](https://www.hingehealth.com/acquisition/hinge-health/ "Learn more")\*.
The above stretches and exercises are recommended by Hinge Health physical therapists to help relieve and prevent joint pain when it rains. “It’s important to have a daily movement routine to help alleviate pain that occurs with weather fluctuations,” explains Dr. Schaner. You can modify your movement routine as much as needed to make it work for you. The above exercises are a great place to start.
*The information contained in these videos is intended to be used for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or treatment for any specific condition. Hinge Health is not your healthcare provider and is not responsible for any injury sustained or exacerbated by your use of or participation in these exercises. Please consult with your healthcare provider with any questions you may have about your medical condition or treatment.*
## How to Minimize Joint Pain From Rain: Top 5 Treatments
You’ve probably wondered how to stop joint pain when it rains. There’s no magic cure, but there are things you can do to help minimize its effects when you do experience it.
- **Consider physical therapy**. A physical therapist (PT) can design an individualized exercise program to strengthen and stretch the muscles around your achy joints, helping to improve [mobility](https://www.hingehealth.com/resources/glossary/mobility/ "mobility") and reduce stiffness. They can also teach you pain management techniques that allow you to move more comfortably during joint pain flare-ups. You can see a physical therapist in person or [use a program like Hinge Health](https://www.hingehealth.com/for-individuals/ "use a program like Hinge Health") to access a PT via telehealth/video visit.
- **Stay active**. It’s important to exercise daily, says Dr. Schaner. “You want to find ways to maintain an active lifestyle,” she stresses. If it’s cold or rainy, you may be tempted to stay indoors and be more sedentary. “But when we move less, we tend to hurt more,” she says. One activity that is particularly gentle on achy joints is swimming.
- **Do mind-body therapies**. Practices such as yoga and [tai chi](https://www.hingehealth.com/resources/articles/tai-chi-benefits/ "tai chi")[have been shown](https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2018/08030/integrative_effect_of_yoga_practice_in_patients.99.aspx " ") to help relieve joint pain. “They strengthen muscles, but also relax them, which is important for joint pain since we often tense up our muscles unconsciously,” says Dr. Schaner.
- **Stay warm**. This is particularly important if rain occurs at a time of year when temperatures tend to drop, says Dr. Schaner. “You can also use a heating pad on the sore area to warm up your joints,” she adds. It helps to dress in layers during cooler weather, too, so that you can remove (or add on) as needed to stay warm.
- **Try over-the-counter pain relievers**. Pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be helpful for joint pain. It’s important to make sure that you are safely able to take these medications, based on your medical history. You may also want to talk to your health care provider about supplements. Certain ones, like turmeric or ginger, have been shown to help relieve joint pain, according to a 2022 review published in the journal [*Nutrients*](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9025331/ "Nutrients").
## PT Tip: Keep Pain in Perspective
Your nerve channels — the pores in nerve cell membranes that allow ions to move in and out — change every couple days, says Dr. Schaner. So while pain may increase temporarily when it rains, try to remember that it should fade away after a day or two.
## How Hinge Health Can Help
If you have joint or muscle pain that makes it hard to move, you can get the relief you’ve been looking for with [Hinge Health’s online exercise therapy program](https://www.hingehealth.com/for-individuals/?experience=inc_massage2 "Hinge Health’s online exercise therapy program").
The best part: You don’t have to leave your home because our program is digital. That means you can easily get the care you need through our app, when and where it works for you.
Through our program, you’ll have access to therapeutic exercises and stretches for your condition. Additionally, you’ll have a personal care team to guide, support, and tailor our program to you.
See if you qualify for Hinge Health and confirm free coverage through your employer or benefit plan[here](https://www.hingehealth.com/for-individuals/ " ").
*This article and its contents are provided for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or professional services specific to you or your medical condition.*
\$0 cost to you
### Looking for pain relief? Check if your employer or health plan covers our program
Am I covered?
Join more than 1.2 million members and over 2,800 companies that trust Hinge Health to get relief.
## References
1. Wang, L., Xu, Q., Chen, Y., Zhu, Z., & Cao, Y. (2023). Associations between weather conditions and osteoarthritis pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. *Annals of Medicine, 55*(1). doi:10.1080/07853890.2023.2196439
2. Wang, Y., Lu, S., Wang, R., Jiang, P., Rao, F., Wang, B., Zhu, Y., Hu, Y., & Zhu, J. (2018). Integrative effect of yoga practice in patients with knee arthritis. *Medicine, 97*(31), e11742. doi:10.1097/md.0000000000011742
##### Table of Contents
[Why Do My Joints Hurt When It Rains?](https://www.hingehealth.com/resources/articles/why-do-my-joints-hurt-when-it-rains/#why-do-my-joints-hurt-when-it-rains?)
[Exercises for Joint Pain When It Rains](https://www.hingehealth.com/resources/articles/why-do-my-joints-hurt-when-it-rains/#4jqmbs5djobddvfcn8krwp-container)
[How to Minimize Joint Pain From Rain: Top 5 Treatments](https://www.hingehealth.com/resources/articles/why-do-my-joints-hurt-when-it-rains/#how-to-minimize-joint-pain-from-rain:-top-5-treatments)
[PT Tip: Keep Pain in Perspective](https://www.hingehealth.com/resources/articles/why-do-my-joints-hurt-when-it-rains/#pt-tip:-keep-pain-in-perspective)
[How Hinge Health Can Help](https://www.hingehealth.com/resources/articles/why-do-my-joints-hurt-when-it-rains/#how-hinge-health-can-help%E2%80%8B%E2%80%8B)
[References](https://www.hingehealth.com/resources/articles/why-do-my-joints-hurt-when-it-rains/#references)
### Related Articles
[Chronic pain flare-ups: causes and tips for pain relief](https://www.hingehealth.com/resources/articles/pain-flare-up/ "Related Article Link")
[Why does my foot arch hurt? Causes other than plantar fasciitis and what helps](https://www.hingehealth.com/resources/articles/foot-arch-pain-not-plantar-fasciitis/ "Related Article Link")
[Why do my feet hurt when I lie down at night?](https://www.hingehealth.com/resources/articles/why-do-my-feet-hurt-when-i-lay-down-at-night/ "Related Article Link")
[Why do I get both hip and knee pain? Causes, treatments, and exercises](https://www.hingehealth.com/resources/articles/hip-and-knee-pain/ "Related Article Link")
[15 easy exercises to do at home: a beginner’s guide from physical therapists](https://www.hingehealth.com/resources/articles/how-to-exercise-at-home/ "Related Article Link")
[Get Relief From Lower Back Pain When Squatting With Tips and Exercises From Physical Therapists](https://www.hingehealth.com/resources/articles/lower-back-pain-when-squatting/ "Related Article Link")
[Check if I'm eligible](https://www.hingehealth.com/for-individuals/)
- [For Individuals](https://www.hingehealth.com/for-individuals/ "For Individuals")
- [For Organizations](https://www.hingehealth.com/for-organizations/ "For Organizations ")
- [Our Approach](https://www.hingehealth.com/for-organizations/our-approach/ "Our Approach")
- [Resource Center](https://www.hingehealth.com/resources/ "Resource Center")
- About
## Member Support
[help@hingehealth.com](mailto:help@hingehealth.com "Contact our support team")
[\+1 (855) 902-2777](tel:+18559022777 "Contact our support team")
455 Market Street, Suite 700 \| San Francisco, CA 94105
© 2026 Hinge Health, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
- [Terms of Use](https://www.hingehealth.com/about/terms-and-conditions/ "Terms of Use")
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.hingehealth.com/about/privacy/ "Privacy Policy")
- [HIPAA Notice](https://www.hingehealth.com/about/hipaa/ "HIPAA Notice")
- [California Notice at Collection](https://www.hingehealth.com/about/privacy/#additional-disclosures-and-notices-at-collection-for-residents-of-california "California Notice at Collection")
- [Personnel and Candidate Privacy Policy](https://www.hingehealth.com/about/personnel-and-candidate-privacy-policy/ "Personnel and Candidate Privacy Policy")
- [Non-Discrimination](https://www.hingehealth.com/about/non-discrimination-and-interpretive-services-notice/ "Non-Discrimination ")
- [Security](https://www.hingehealth.com/security/ "Security")
- [Code of Ethics](https://www.hingehealth.com/about/code-of-ethics/ "Code of Ethics")
- [Your Privacy Choices](https://www.hingehealth.com/resources/articles/why-do-my-joints-hurt-when-it-rains/#footer-legal-links "Your Privacy Choices")
(Your opt out preference signal is honored)
## Member Support
[help@hingehealth.com](mailto:help@hingehealth.com "Contact our support team")
[\+1 (855) 902-2777](tel:+18559022777 "Contact our support team") |
| Readable Markdown | If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “*Why do my joints hurt when it rains?*”, join the club. It’s a question physical therapists hear often.
It may sound like a bit of a wives’ tale, **but aches and pains are more likely to occur in your joints with weather changes**. “It’s a real physiologic process, and it’s quite common,” says Katie Schaner, PT, DPT, a physical therapist at Hinge Health. A 2023 review published in the [*Annals of Medicine*](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10120534/ "Annals of Medicine"), for example, found that weather changes significantly increased osteoarthritis pain. “Some people’s joints even ‘sense’ impending weather changes,” points out Dr. Schaner, because they have increased joint pain or stiffness before it rains.
Anyone can experience joint pain when it rains, but you’re more likely to be affected if you have [arthritis](https://www.hingehealth.com/resources/articles/tips-for-managing-arthritis-pain/ "arthritis") or have had past joint injuries — such as from playing sports, notes Dr. Schaner. If you’ve ever wondered, “*Why do my joints hurt when it rains?”*, read on. Here’s a closer look at why it happens and what you can do about it.
##### Katie Schaner, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Dr. Schaner is a Hinge Health physical therapist with special interest in orthopedic conditions, chronic pain, running, performing artists, and vestibular conditions. [Read More](https://www.hingehealth.com/about/our-medical-experts/katie-schaner "link")
##### Christynne Helfrich, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist and Clinical Reviewer
Dr. Helfrich is a Hinge Health physical therapist with nearly 15 years of experience. She is an orthopedic certified specialist and is certified in myofascial trigger point therapy. [Read More](https://www.hingehealth.com/about/our-medical-experts/christynne-helfrich "link")
## Why Do My Joints Hurt When It Rains?
To understand the connection between [joint](https://www.hingehealth.com/resources/glossary/joint/ "joint") pain and rainy weather, we need to take a closer look at how our nerves work. “Our bodies have about 45 miles of nerves that send signals to the brain, alerting it to changes in our environment, like temperature,” explains Dr. Schaner. Nerves contain ion channels that help transmit these electrical signals. “When there’s a change in temperature or humidity, it becomes easier for nerves to send these signals, and they become more sensitive,” says Dr. Schaner. This increased sensitivity makes you more likely to notice and feel pain.
Another reason your joints might ache when it rains is the drop in barometric pressure. Lower air pressure means there’s less force pressing on your body, allowing the muscles and [tendons](https://www.hingehealth.com/resources/glossary/tendon/ "tendons") around your joints to expand slightly. This expansion can add extra pressure on the joints, leading to feelings of discomfort or achiness.
Changes in weather can also affect your activity level and mood, adds Dr. Schaner. When it’s gloomy and wet, you may be less inclined to be active. “Motion is lotion, so being inactive can increase joint pain and stiffness,” says Dr. Schaner. Additionally, bad weather can negatively impact your [mood](https://www.hingehealth.com/resources/articles/exercise-and-mental-health/ "mood"), and there’s a known connection between depression and joint pain.
This is a gentle, full-body stretch that helps relieve tension in your muscles and joints. “It helps your nerves continue to glide and move,” says Dr. Schaner. It also promotes flexibility and blood flow, which can reduce stiffness and discomfort caused by joint pain when it rains.
- Standing Child’s Pose
- Open Book Rotation
- Sit to Stand
- Doorway Stretch
Physical therapy (PT) is for more than just recovering from surgery or injury. It’s one of the top treatments for joint and muscle pain. It helps build strength, improve mobility, and reduce pain. And it doesn't always need to be in person.
Hinge Health members can conveniently access customized plans or chat with their care team at home or on the go — and experience an average 68% reduction in pain\* within the first 12 weeks of their program. [Learn more](https://www.hingehealth.com/acquisition/hinge-health/ "Learn more")\*.
The above stretches and exercises are recommended by Hinge Health physical therapists to help relieve and prevent joint pain when it rains. “It’s important to have a daily movement routine to help alleviate pain that occurs with weather fluctuations,” explains Dr. Schaner. You can modify your movement routine as much as needed to make it work for you. The above exercises are a great place to start.
*The information contained in these videos is intended to be used for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or treatment for any specific condition. Hinge Health is not your healthcare provider and is not responsible for any injury sustained or exacerbated by your use of or participation in these exercises. Please consult with your healthcare provider with any questions you may have about your medical condition or treatment.*
## How to Minimize Joint Pain From Rain: Top 5 Treatments
You’ve probably wondered how to stop joint pain when it rains. There’s no magic cure, but there are things you can do to help minimize its effects when you do experience it.
- **Consider physical therapy**. A physical therapist (PT) can design an individualized exercise program to strengthen and stretch the muscles around your achy joints, helping to improve [mobility](https://www.hingehealth.com/resources/glossary/mobility/ "mobility") and reduce stiffness. They can also teach you pain management techniques that allow you to move more comfortably during joint pain flare-ups. You can see a physical therapist in person or [use a program like Hinge Health](https://www.hingehealth.com/for-individuals/ "use a program like Hinge Health") to access a PT via telehealth/video visit.
- **Stay active**. It’s important to exercise daily, says Dr. Schaner. “You want to find ways to maintain an active lifestyle,” she stresses. If it’s cold or rainy, you may be tempted to stay indoors and be more sedentary. “But when we move less, we tend to hurt more,” she says. One activity that is particularly gentle on achy joints is swimming.
- **Do mind-body therapies**. Practices such as yoga and [tai chi](https://www.hingehealth.com/resources/articles/tai-chi-benefits/ "tai chi")[have been shown](https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2018/08030/integrative_effect_of_yoga_practice_in_patients.99.aspx " ") to help relieve joint pain. “They strengthen muscles, but also relax them, which is important for joint pain since we often tense up our muscles unconsciously,” says Dr. Schaner.
- **Stay warm**. This is particularly important if rain occurs at a time of year when temperatures tend to drop, says Dr. Schaner. “You can also use a heating pad on the sore area to warm up your joints,” she adds. It helps to dress in layers during cooler weather, too, so that you can remove (or add on) as needed to stay warm.
- **Try over-the-counter pain relievers**. Pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be helpful for joint pain. It’s important to make sure that you are safely able to take these medications, based on your medical history. You may also want to talk to your health care provider about supplements. Certain ones, like turmeric or ginger, have been shown to help relieve joint pain, according to a 2022 review published in the journal [*Nutrients*](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9025331/ "Nutrients").
## PT Tip: Keep Pain in Perspective
Your nerve channels — the pores in nerve cell membranes that allow ions to move in and out — change every couple days, says Dr. Schaner. So while pain may increase temporarily when it rains, try to remember that it should fade away after a day or two.
## How Hinge Health Can Help
If you have joint or muscle pain that makes it hard to move, you can get the relief you’ve been looking for with [Hinge Health’s online exercise therapy program](https://www.hingehealth.com/for-individuals/?experience=inc_massage2 "Hinge Health’s online exercise therapy program").
The best part: You don’t have to leave your home because our program is digital. That means you can easily get the care you need through our app, when and where it works for you.
Through our program, you’ll have access to therapeutic exercises and stretches for your condition. Additionally, you’ll have a personal care team to guide, support, and tailor our program to you.
See if you qualify for Hinge Health and confirm free coverage through your employer or benefit plan[here](https://www.hingehealth.com/for-individuals/ " ").
*This article and its contents are provided for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or professional services specific to you or your medical condition.*
\$0 cost to you
Join more than 1.2 million members and over 2,800 companies that trust Hinge Health to get relief.
## References
1. Wang, L., Xu, Q., Chen, Y., Zhu, Z., & Cao, Y. (2023). Associations between weather conditions and osteoarthritis pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. *Annals of Medicine, 55*(1). doi:10.1080/07853890.2023.2196439
2. Wang, Y., Lu, S., Wang, R., Jiang, P., Rao, F., Wang, B., Zhu, Y., Hu, Y., & Zhu, J. (2018). Integrative effect of yoga practice in patients with knee arthritis. *Medicine, 97*(31), e11742. doi:10.1097/md.0000000000011742 |
| Shard | 66 (laksa) |
| Root Hash | 7496253765975756066 |
| Unparsed URL | com,hingehealth!www,/resources/articles/why-do-my-joints-hurt-when-it-rains/ s443 |