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| Meta Title | How to Stop Joint Pain When It Rains, According to Doctors |
| Meta Description | Doctors explain barometric pressure pain and how to find relief from aches and tightness in joints when the weather changes, especially when it rains. |
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| Boilerpipe Text | Jump to:
What causes weather-related joint pain
How to ease weather-related joint pain
When to see a doctor
That unique pang in your knee that only visits right before it rains? Yeah, it’s not in your head. People may try to invalidate your weather-related joint pain as a myth or an old wive’s tale, but experts say it’s real. The technical term for the sensation is barometric pressure pain. Below, doctors explain exactly how it works, what causes it, and how to find barometric pressure pain relief.
What causes weather-related joint pain
“Believe it or not, there is
research
that shows a connection between rain and achy joints,” says
Mandy Armitage, M.D.
, a musculoskeletal medicine specialist and medical director of editorial services at GoodRx. “Scientists are still looking at the exact reason why inclement weather can cause flare-ups in conditions like
arthritis
, but there is evidence that weather can in fact affect your joints.”
Barometric pressure, also known as atmospheric pressure, is the pressure exerted onto our bodies by the weight of the atmosphere or air, “and it can fluctuate with changing weather conditions,” says
Anant Vinjamoori, M.D.
, a longevity physician and Chief Medical Officer at
Modern Age
. When it rains, barometric pressure drops and “causes a decrease in the external pressure on the body,” Vinjamoori explains. “This can lead to an expansion of tissues and fluids within and around the joints, which may place additional pressure on nerve endings and cause pain.”
A compounding factor here might also be that changes in atmospheric pressure also affect the inner ear, which detects pressure changes and notifies the brain, Vinjamoori adds. “Our brains can then signal to release neurotransmitters and other chemicals to make nerve fibers more sensitive to pain,” he says.
No one is immune to the possibility of barometric pressure pain, but Vinjamoori and Armitage say those with arthritis or a history of joint surgery or trauma are more likely to experience it due to existing inflammation, joint damage, and/or scar tissue.
How to ease weather-related joint pain
You can’t control the weather, but Vinjamoori and Armitage have a few tips for managing pain when pressure changes pop up.
Stay active
“While you may be inclined to limit movement to reduce joint pain, it’s actually important to keep moving,” says Armitage. In fact, low-impact exercise like
yoga
and
walking
can even help alleviate feelings of tightness: “If you see there is rain in the forecast, consider taking a walk around your neighborhood as a preventive measure,” Armitage adds.
Control inflammation
“At the root of most forms of joint pain is inflammation,” explains Vinjamoori. And making a consistent effort to manage yours—be it through over-the-counter pain relievers or
anti-inflammatory foods
like turmeric—will do good for barometric pressure-related pain, he says.
Take supportive measures
Vinjamoori recommends wearing a compression sleeve or brace on the affected joint, as it can provide support and help reduce discomfort.
When to see a doctor
“Over time, you’ll know what to expect with weather changes and be mentally prepared. Sometimes this is half the battle,” says Armitage. “Remember to keep moving, but don’t try to push through severe pain. Listen to your body. If you’re still struggling with joint pain after the weather changes, be sure to contact your healthcare provider. They can help you identify the next best steps.”
.. |
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3. [Why Your Joints Ache When It Rains, According to Doctors](https://www.prevention.com/health/a43828525/weather-and-joint-pain/)
# Why Your Joints Ache When It Rains, According to Doctors
Contrary to what others might say, you’re not making it up\!
By [Kayla Blanton](https://www.prevention.com/author/217560/kayla-blanton/ "Kayla Blanton")
Published: May 10, 2023


## Jump to:
- [What causes weather-related joint pain](https://www.prevention.com/health/a43828525/weather-and-joint-pain/#what-causes-weather-related-joint-pain)
- [How to ease weather-related joint pain](https://www.prevention.com/health/a43828525/weather-and-joint-pain/#how-to-ease-weather-related-joint-pain)
- [When to see a doctor](https://www.prevention.com/health/a43828525/weather-and-joint-pain/#when-to-see-a-doctor)
That unique pang in your knee that only visits right before it rains? Yeah, it’s not in your head. People may try to invalidate your weather-related joint pain as a myth or an old wive’s tale, but experts say it’s real. The technical term for the sensation is barometric pressure pain. Below, doctors explain exactly how it works, what causes it, and how to find barometric pressure pain relief.
## What causes weather-related joint pain
“Believe it or not, there is [research](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22124595/) that shows a connection between rain and achy joints,” says [Mandy Armitage, M.D.](https://www.goodrx.com/about/bio/mandy-armitage), a musculoskeletal medicine specialist and medical director of editorial services at GoodRx. “Scientists are still looking at the exact reason why inclement weather can cause flare-ups in conditions like [arthritis](https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a41318174/what-is-arthritis/), but there is evidence that weather can in fact affect your joints.”
Barometric pressure, also known as atmospheric pressure, is the pressure exerted onto our bodies by the weight of the atmosphere or air, “and it can fluctuate with changing weather conditions,” says [Anant Vinjamoori, M.D.](https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinjamoori), a longevity physician and Chief Medical Officer at [Modern Age](https://streaklinks.com/Bf4mXFVKSsg9WiXBkAaOQC6L/https%3A%2F%2Fmodern-age.com%2F). When it rains, barometric pressure drops and “causes a decrease in the external pressure on the body,” Vinjamoori explains. “This can lead to an expansion of tissues and fluids within and around the joints, which may place additional pressure on nerve endings and cause pain.”
A compounding factor here might also be that changes in atmospheric pressure also affect the inner ear, which detects pressure changes and notifies the brain, Vinjamoori adds. “Our brains can then signal to release neurotransmitters and other chemicals to make nerve fibers more sensitive to pain,” he says.
No one is immune to the possibility of barometric pressure pain, but Vinjamoori and Armitage say those with arthritis or a history of joint surgery or trauma are more likely to experience it due to existing inflammation, joint damage, and/or scar tissue.
## How to ease weather-related joint pain
You can’t control the weather, but Vinjamoori and Armitage have a few tips for managing pain when pressure changes pop up.
## Stay active
“While you may be inclined to limit movement to reduce joint pain, it’s actually important to keep moving,” says Armitage. In fact, low-impact exercise like [yoga](https://www.prevention.com/fitness/a38943981/benefits-of-yoga/) and [walking](https://www.prevention.com/fitness/a20485587/benefits-from-walking-every-day/) can even help alleviate feelings of tightness: “If you see there is rain in the forecast, consider taking a walk around your neighborhood as a preventive measure,” Armitage adds.
## Control inflammation
“At the root of most forms of joint pain is inflammation,” explains Vinjamoori. And making a consistent effort to manage yours—be it through over-the-counter pain relievers or [anti-inflammatory foods](https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/a63457748/foods-ingredients-that-cause-inflammation/) like turmeric—will do good for barometric pressure-related pain, he says.
## Take supportive measures
Vinjamoori recommends wearing a compression sleeve or brace on the affected joint, as it can provide support and help reduce discomfort.
## When to see a doctor
“Over time, you’ll know what to expect with weather changes and be mentally prepared. Sometimes this is half the battle,” says Armitage. “Remember to keep moving, but don’t try to push through severe pain. Listen to your body. If you’re still struggling with joint pain after the weather changes, be sure to contact your healthcare provider. They can help you identify the next best steps.”
## Related Stories
- [The Best Knee Exercises for Healthier Joints](https://www.prevention.com/fitness/a38016005/exercises-for-knees/)
- [What Is Arthritis?](https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a41318174/what-is-arthritis/)
..
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| Readable Markdown | ## Jump to:
- [What causes weather-related joint pain](https://www.prevention.com/health/a43828525/weather-and-joint-pain/#what-causes-weather-related-joint-pain)
- [How to ease weather-related joint pain](https://www.prevention.com/health/a43828525/weather-and-joint-pain/#how-to-ease-weather-related-joint-pain)
- [When to see a doctor](https://www.prevention.com/health/a43828525/weather-and-joint-pain/#when-to-see-a-doctor)
That unique pang in your knee that only visits right before it rains? Yeah, it’s not in your head. People may try to invalidate your weather-related joint pain as a myth or an old wive’s tale, but experts say it’s real. The technical term for the sensation is barometric pressure pain. Below, doctors explain exactly how it works, what causes it, and how to find barometric pressure pain relief.
## What causes weather-related joint pain
“Believe it or not, there is [research](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22124595/) that shows a connection between rain and achy joints,” says [Mandy Armitage, M.D.](https://www.goodrx.com/about/bio/mandy-armitage), a musculoskeletal medicine specialist and medical director of editorial services at GoodRx. “Scientists are still looking at the exact reason why inclement weather can cause flare-ups in conditions like [arthritis](https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a41318174/what-is-arthritis/), but there is evidence that weather can in fact affect your joints.”
Barometric pressure, also known as atmospheric pressure, is the pressure exerted onto our bodies by the weight of the atmosphere or air, “and it can fluctuate with changing weather conditions,” says [Anant Vinjamoori, M.D.](https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinjamoori), a longevity physician and Chief Medical Officer at [Modern Age](https://streaklinks.com/Bf4mXFVKSsg9WiXBkAaOQC6L/https%3A%2F%2Fmodern-age.com%2F). When it rains, barometric pressure drops and “causes a decrease in the external pressure on the body,” Vinjamoori explains. “This can lead to an expansion of tissues and fluids within and around the joints, which may place additional pressure on nerve endings and cause pain.”
A compounding factor here might also be that changes in atmospheric pressure also affect the inner ear, which detects pressure changes and notifies the brain, Vinjamoori adds. “Our brains can then signal to release neurotransmitters and other chemicals to make nerve fibers more sensitive to pain,” he says.
No one is immune to the possibility of barometric pressure pain, but Vinjamoori and Armitage say those with arthritis or a history of joint surgery or trauma are more likely to experience it due to existing inflammation, joint damage, and/or scar tissue.
## How to ease weather-related joint pain
You can’t control the weather, but Vinjamoori and Armitage have a few tips for managing pain when pressure changes pop up.
## Stay active
“While you may be inclined to limit movement to reduce joint pain, it’s actually important to keep moving,” says Armitage. In fact, low-impact exercise like [yoga](https://www.prevention.com/fitness/a38943981/benefits-of-yoga/) and [walking](https://www.prevention.com/fitness/a20485587/benefits-from-walking-every-day/) can even help alleviate feelings of tightness: “If you see there is rain in the forecast, consider taking a walk around your neighborhood as a preventive measure,” Armitage adds.
## Control inflammation
“At the root of most forms of joint pain is inflammation,” explains Vinjamoori. And making a consistent effort to manage yours—be it through over-the-counter pain relievers or [anti-inflammatory foods](https://www.prevention.com/food-nutrition/healthy-eating/a63457748/foods-ingredients-that-cause-inflammation/) like turmeric—will do good for barometric pressure-related pain, he says.
## Take supportive measures
Vinjamoori recommends wearing a compression sleeve or brace on the affected joint, as it can provide support and help reduce discomfort.
## When to see a doctor
“Over time, you’ll know what to expect with weather changes and be mentally prepared. Sometimes this is half the battle,” says Armitage. “Remember to keep moving, but don’t try to push through severe pain. Listen to your body. If you’re still struggling with joint pain after the weather changes, be sure to contact your healthcare provider. They can help you identify the next best steps.”
.. |
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