🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 142 (from laksa083)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa142.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/weather-and-joint-pain\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/weather-and-joint-pain\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/pain-management\/weather-and-joint-pain","crawl_time":1770133440,"first_indexed_time":0,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,webmd!www,\/pain-management\/weather-and-joint-pain s443","src_root_hash":"18365360746078618142","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Weather & Joint Pain: Why Your Joints Hurt When It's Raining or Cold","meta_descriptions":["It’s common to blame joint pain flare-ups on changes in the weather. Is it just an old wives’ tale, or does science back it up? WebMD explains how changes in barometric pressure, temperature, and even rain can cause joint pain."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Does Weather Affect Joint Pain?\n4 min read\nMaybe your grandmother knew a storm was coming when their knees started to hurt. Or you’ve felt your own joints ache when the temperature outside drops.\nIt’s common to blame\njoint pain\nflare-ups on changes in the weather, and many doctors believe people can feel more joint pain on cold, rainy days. But the research on the connection between the two isn’t clear.\nBarometric pressure -- or the pressure of the air -- can affect joints, but humidity, precipitation, and temperature are also at play. That makes it tricky for scientists to pinpoint exactly what it is about the weather that leads some people to report more\npain\nwhen it’s cold, rainy, or humid.\nScientists have done many studies on joint pain and weather over the years, but so far, none can say for sure what the connection is. Part of the problem is the studies themselves -- many have used surveys of just a small number of people, which isn’t a very reliable way to measure a link.\nStill, there are a few theories about the relationship. One is that people with joint pain, especially\narthritis\n, may be sensitive to changes in barometric pressure. How? It could be that when the cartilage that cushions the bones inside a joint is worn away, nerves in the exposed bones might pick up on changes in pressure.\nAnother idea: Changes in barometric pressure may make your tendons, muscles, and any scar tissue expand and contract, and that can create pain in joints affected by arthritis. Low temperatures can also make the fluid inside joints thicker, so they feel stiffer.\nYou might also feel more pain when the weather keeps you from moving around as much as you typically do. People tend to stay indoors and lounge around more when it’s cold and rainy outside, and inactive joints can get stiff and painful.\nSeveral studies have tried to pinpoint the kind of weather changes that affect joint pain, but the findings are all over the map.\nIn one survey of 200 people with\nosteoarthritis\nin their\nknee\n, researchers found that every 10-degree drop in temperature -- as well as low barometric pressure --corresponded to a rise in arthritis pain. More recently, however, a Dutch study of 222 people with\nosteoarthritis of the hip\nfound that over 2 years, people said their pain and stiffness got worse with\nrising\nbarometric pressure and humidity.\nAnother group of researchers took a look at medical records of more than 11 million\nMedicare\nvisits and matched dates to local weather reports. They didn’t see any link between weather changes and joint pain at all. Two recent Australian studies -- one on\nknee pain\nand one on\nlower back pain\n-- also found no connection to weather change.\nBut even though the science isn’t clear, flare-ups when the weather turns are very real for many people with joint pain. Some people’s bodies may just be more sensitive to changes in the weather. Many people say they find relief in warmer climates, but again, there’s no scientific proof that it will ease your aches.\nYou don’t have to pick up and move to a different climate. There’s plenty you can do at home to relieve joint pain.\nWhen temperatures drop, try to keep yourself warm. Take warm showers or baths, dress in layers during the day (including gloves and warm socks), use an electric blanket at night, or crank up the heat inside your home.\nTry a paraffin bath. It’s a small machine that melts paraffin wax. You dip your hands and\nfeet\nin, and then you let the wax harden on your\nskin\n. Your body absorbs the heat, which may soothe achy joints. You can also use a heating pad on sore spots.\nAsk your doctor about pain\nmedications\nlike non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (\nNSAIDs\n).\nKeep a\nhealthy weight\nand stay active. Try exercise that’s gentle on the joints, like\nyoga\nor\nswimming\n. That will help you build up muscle and\nbone\nstrength. If you go outside to exercise, limber up first with some gentle stretches.\nDon’t\nstrain\nyour joints if you don’t have to. Let someone else lift those heavy boxes.\nMake sure you take care of your health in general, like with good\nnutrition\nand getting enough\nsleep\n.","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to main content](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/pain-management\/weather-and-joint-pain#main-container)\n\n[![Logo for WebMD](https:\/\/img.wbmdstatic.com\/vim\/live\/webmd\/consumer_assets\/site_images\/logos\/webmd\/web\/webmd_logo_white.svg)](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/)\n\n- [Home](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/)\n- [Conditions]()\n  Back\n  \n  Conditions[![](https:\/\/img.lb.wbmdstatic.com\/webmd_v1_static_vue\/091e9c5e81e4870f\/client\/img\/arrow-right.4012ff31.svg) View All](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/a-to-z-guides\/health-topics)\n  \n  - [ADD\/ADHD](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/add-adhd\/default.htm)\n  - [Allergies](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/allergies\/default.htm)\n  - [Arthritis](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/arthritis\/default.htm)\n  - [Atrial fibrillation](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/heart-disease\/atrial-fibrillation\/default.htm)\n  - 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Or you’ve felt your own joints ache when the temperature outside drops.\n\nIt’s common to blame [joint pain](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/pain-management\/joint-pain) flare-ups on changes in the weather, and many doctors believe people can feel more joint pain on cold, rainy days. But the research on the connection between the two isn’t clear.\n\nBarometric pressure -- or the pressure of the air -- can affect joints, but humidity, precipitation, and temperature are also at play. That makes it tricky for scientists to pinpoint exactly what it is about the weather that leads some people to report more [pain](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/pain-management\/default.htm) when it’s cold, rainy, or humid.\n\n## How Weather May Affect Joints\nScientists have done many studies on joint pain and weather over the years, but so far, none can say for sure what the connection is. Part of the problem is the studies themselves -- many have used surveys of just a small number of people, which isn’t a very reliable way to measure a link.\n\nStill, there are a few theories about the relationship. One is that people with joint pain, especially [arthritis](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/arthritis\/default.htm), may be sensitive to changes in barometric pressure. How? It could be that when the cartilage that cushions the bones inside a joint is worn away, nerves in the exposed bones might pick up on changes in pressure.\n\nAnother idea: Changes in barometric pressure may make your tendons, muscles, and any scar tissue expand and contract, and that can create pain in joints affected by arthritis. Low temperatures can also make the fluid inside joints thicker, so they feel stiffer.\n\nYou might also feel more pain when the weather keeps you from moving around as much as you typically do. People tend to stay indoors and lounge around more when it’s cold and rainy outside, and inactive joints can get stiff and painful.\n\n## What Kind of Weather?\nSeveral studies have tried to pinpoint the kind of weather changes that affect joint pain, but the findings are all over the map.\n\nIn one survey of 200 people with [osteoarthritis](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/osteoarthritis\/default.htm) in their [knee](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/pain-management\/knee-pain\/knee-pain-overview), researchers found that every 10-degree drop in temperature -- as well as low barometric pressure --corresponded to a rise in arthritis pain. More recently, however, a Dutch study of 222 people with [osteoarthritis of the hip](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/osteoarthritis\/hip-osteoarthritis-degenerative-arthritis-hip) found that over 2 years, people said their pain and stiffness got worse with *rising* barometric pressure and humidity.\n\nAnother group of researchers took a look at medical records of more than 11 million [Medicare](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/health-insurance\/cm\/medicare-eligibility-and-enrollment) visits and matched dates to local weather reports. They didn’t see any link between weather changes and joint pain at all. Two recent Australian studies -- one on [knee pain](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/pain-management\/knee-pain\/default.htm) and one on [lower back pain](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/back-pain\/ss\/slideshow-low-back-pain-overview) -- also found no connection to weather change.\n\nBut even though the science isn’t clear, flare-ups when the weather turns are very real for many people with joint pain. Some people’s bodies may just be more sensitive to changes in the weather. Many people say they find relief in warmer climates, but again, there’s no scientific proof that it will ease your aches.\n\n## How to Ease Weather-Related Joint Pain\nYou don’t have to pick up and move to a different climate. There’s plenty you can do at home to relieve joint pain.\n\n- When temperatures drop, try to keep yourself warm. Take warm showers or baths, dress in layers during the day (including gloves and warm socks), use an electric blanket at night, or crank up the heat inside your home.\n- Try a paraffin bath. It’s a small machine that melts paraffin wax. You dip your hands and [feet](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/pain-management\/guide\/foot-pain-causes-and-treatments) in, and then you let the wax harden on your [skin](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/beauty\/cosmetic-procedures-overview-skin). Your body absorbs the heat, which may soothe achy joints. You can also use a heating pad on sore spots.\n- Ask your doctor about pain [medications](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/drugs\/index-drugs.aspx) like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ([NSAIDs](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/arthritis\/features\/pain-relief-how-nsaids-work)).\n- Keep a [healthy weight](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/obesity\/healthy-weight) and stay active. Try exercise that’s gentle on the joints, like [yoga](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/balance\/the-health-benefits-of-yoga) or [swimming](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/fitness-exercise\/default.htm). That will help you build up muscle and [bone](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/osteoporosis\/features\/cm\/building-stronger-bones) strength. If you go outside to exercise, limber up first with some gentle stretches.\n- Don’t [strain](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/first-aid\/sprains-and-strains-treatment) your joints if you don’t have to. Let someone else lift those heavy boxes.\n- Make sure you take care of your health in general, like with good [nutrition](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/diet\/default.htm) and getting enough [sleep](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/sleep-disorders\/default.htm).\n\nSources\n\nUpdate History\n\nShare\n\nPrint\n\nSave\n\nSOURCES:\n\nMichelle Eisenberg, DO, Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital, Houston.\n\n*The American Journal of Medicine*: “Changes in barometric pressure and ambient temperature influence osteoarthritis pain.”\n\nHarvard Health: “Can the Weather Really Worsen Arthritis Pain?”\n\n*International Orthopedics*: “Influence of weather variables on pain severity in end-stage osteoarthritis.”\n\n*BMJ 2017*: “Association between rainfall and diagnoses of joint or back pain: retrospective claims analysis.”\n\n*Pain*: “Associations between weather conditions and clinical symptoms in patients with hip osteoarthritis: a 2-year cohort study.”\n\nArthritis Foundation: “Weather and Arthritis Pain.”\n\n*Osteoarthritis Cartilage*: “The influence of weather on the risk of pain exacerbation in patients with knee osteoarthritis -- a case-crossover study.”\n\n*Pain Medicine: “*Acute Low Back Pain? Do Not Blame the Weather -- A Case-Crossover Study.”\n\n*BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders*: “Self-perceived weather sensitivity and joint pain in older people with osteoarthritis in six European countries: results from the European Project on OSteoArthritis (EPOSA).”\n\nUChicago Medicine: “It's cold outside! Do your joints hurt?”\n\nRush University Medical Center: “Can Weather Make Your Joints Ache?”\n\n[View privacy policy, copyright and trust info](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/about-webmd-policies\/about-privacy-policy)\n\nShare\n\nPrint\n\nSave\n\n[View privacy policy, copyright and trust info](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/about-webmd-policies\/about-privacy-policy)\n\n### More on Pain Management\n![photo of more on lung cancer](https:\/\/img.lb.wbmdstatic.com\/vim\/live\/webmd\/consumer_assets\/site_images\/article_thumbnails\/hpt_toc_redesign\/more_on\/MoreOn_LungCancer.jpg?resize=300px:*&output-quality=75)\n\n[Alternative Therapy For Pain Management](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/pain-management\/pain-management-alternative-therapy)\n\n[Pain Management Treatment Overview](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/pain-management\/pain-management-treatment-overview)\n\n[Best Exercises for a Pinched Nerve in Your Neck](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/pain-management\/best-exercises-for-pinched-nerve-in-neck)\n\nRecommended\n\n![photo of couple embracing](https:\/\/img.lb.wbmdstatic.com\/vim\/live\/webmd\/consumer_assets\/site_images\/article_thumbnails\/hpt_toc_redesign\/hpt_toc_redesign_illustrations\/1500x1500_living_and_managing_option_4.jpg?resize=500px:*&output-quality=75)\n\n### Related Links\n- [Pain Topics Home](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/pain-management\/default.htm)\n- [Abdominal Pain](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/pain-management\/abdominal-pain-causes-treatments)\n- [Arthritis](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/arthritis\/default.htm)\n- [Back Pain](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/back-pain\/default.htm)\n- [Carpal Tunnel Syndrome](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/pain-management\/carpal-tunnel\/default.htm)\n- [Fibromyalgia](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/fibromyalgia\/default.htm)\n- [Hip Pain](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/pain-management\/hip-pain-causes-and-treatment)\n- [Knee Pain](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/pain-management\/knee-pain\/default.htm)\n- [Foot Pain](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/pain-management\/foot-pain-causes-and-treatments)\n- [Lupus](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/lupus\/default.htm)\n- [Migraine](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/migraines-headaches\/default.htm)\n- [Nerve Pain](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/pain-management\/treating-nerve-pain-caused-cancer-hiv)\n- [Osteoarthritis](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/osteoarthritis\/default.htm)\n- [Rheumatoid Arthritis](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/rheumatoid-arthritis\/default.htm)\n- [Pain Topics News](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/pain-management\/news-features)\n- [Pain Topics Reference](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/pain-management\/medical-reference\/default.htm)\n- [Pain Topics Slideshows](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/pain-management\/ss\/default.htm)\n- [Pain Topics Quizzes](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/pain-management\/quiz\/default.htm)\n- [Pain Topics Blog](https:\/\/blogs.webmd.com\/pain-management\/default.htm)\n- [Pain Topics Videos](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/pain-management\/video\/default.htm)\n- [Find a Neurologist](https:\/\/doctor.webmd.com\/find-a-doctor\/specialty\/neurology)\n- [Find an Orthopedist](https:\/\/doctor.webmd.com\/providers\/specialty\/orthopedic-surgery)\n- [Medications](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/drugs\/2\/condition-3079\/pain)\n- [Pill Identifier](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/pill-identification\/default.htm)\n- [Check for Drug Interactions](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/interaction-checker\/default.htm)\n\n### Sign up for our free Chronic Pain Newsletter\n#### Get the latest news and information about managing pain\n\n![WebMD: Better information. 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All rights reserved. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. [See additional information.](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/about-webmd-policies\/additional-info)\n\n[![Logo for WebMD](https:\/\/img.wbmdstatic.com\/vim\/live\/webmd\/consumer_assets\/site_images\/oncology\/1\/images\/webmd-logo-white.svg)](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/)\n\n![](https:\/\/sb\/p?c1=2&c2=6035829&cv=3.6&cj=1)","attrs_readable_markdown":"## Does Weather Affect Joint Pain?\n![](https:\/\/img.lb.wbmdstatic.com\/vim\/live\/webmd\/consumer_assets\/site_images\/articles\/biographies\/felson_sabrina_382x382.jpg?resize=51px:51px&output-quality=75)\n\n4 min read\n\nMaybe your grandmother knew a storm was coming when their knees started to hurt. Or you’ve felt your own joints ache when the temperature outside drops.\n\nIt’s common to blame [joint pain](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/pain-management\/joint-pain) flare-ups on changes in the weather, and many doctors believe people can feel more joint pain on cold, rainy days. But the research on the connection between the two isn’t clear.\n\nBarometric pressure -- or the pressure of the air -- can affect joints, but humidity, precipitation, and temperature are also at play. That makes it tricky for scientists to pinpoint exactly what it is about the weather that leads some people to report more [pain](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/pain-management\/default.htm) when it’s cold, rainy, or humid.\n\nScientists have done many studies on joint pain and weather over the years, but so far, none can say for sure what the connection is. Part of the problem is the studies themselves -- many have used surveys of just a small number of people, which isn’t a very reliable way to measure a link.\n\nStill, there are a few theories about the relationship. One is that people with joint pain, especially [arthritis](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/arthritis\/default.htm), may be sensitive to changes in barometric pressure. How? It could be that when the cartilage that cushions the bones inside a joint is worn away, nerves in the exposed bones might pick up on changes in pressure.\n\nAnother idea: Changes in barometric pressure may make your tendons, muscles, and any scar tissue expand and contract, and that can create pain in joints affected by arthritis. Low temperatures can also make the fluid inside joints thicker, so they feel stiffer.\n\nYou might also feel more pain when the weather keeps you from moving around as much as you typically do. People tend to stay indoors and lounge around more when it’s cold and rainy outside, and inactive joints can get stiff and painful.\n\nSeveral studies have tried to pinpoint the kind of weather changes that affect joint pain, but the findings are all over the map.\n\nIn one survey of 200 people with [osteoarthritis](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/osteoarthritis\/default.htm) in their [knee](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/pain-management\/knee-pain\/knee-pain-overview), researchers found that every 10-degree drop in temperature -- as well as low barometric pressure --corresponded to a rise in arthritis pain. More recently, however, a Dutch study of 222 people with [osteoarthritis of the hip](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/osteoarthritis\/hip-osteoarthritis-degenerative-arthritis-hip) found that over 2 years, people said their pain and stiffness got worse with *rising* barometric pressure and humidity.\n\nAnother group of researchers took a look at medical records of more than 11 million [Medicare](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/health-insurance\/cm\/medicare-eligibility-and-enrollment) visits and matched dates to local weather reports. They didn’t see any link between weather changes and joint pain at all. Two recent Australian studies -- one on [knee pain](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/pain-management\/knee-pain\/default.htm) and one on [lower back pain](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/back-pain\/ss\/slideshow-low-back-pain-overview) -- also found no connection to weather change.\n\nBut even though the science isn’t clear, flare-ups when the weather turns are very real for many people with joint pain. Some people’s bodies may just be more sensitive to changes in the weather. Many people say they find relief in warmer climates, but again, there’s no scientific proof that it will ease your aches.\n\nYou don’t have to pick up and move to a different climate. There’s plenty you can do at home to relieve joint pain.\n\n- When temperatures drop, try to keep yourself warm. Take warm showers or baths, dress in layers during the day (including gloves and warm socks), use an electric blanket at night, or crank up the heat inside your home.\n- Try a paraffin bath. It’s a small machine that melts paraffin wax. You dip your hands and [feet](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/pain-management\/guide\/foot-pain-causes-and-treatments) in, and then you let the wax harden on your [skin](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/beauty\/cosmetic-procedures-overview-skin). Your body absorbs the heat, which may soothe achy joints. You can also use a heating pad on sore spots.\n- Ask your doctor about pain [medications](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/drugs\/index-drugs.aspx) like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ([NSAIDs](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/arthritis\/features\/pain-relief-how-nsaids-work)).\n- Keep a [healthy weight](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/obesity\/healthy-weight) and stay active. Try exercise that’s gentle on the joints, like [yoga](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/balance\/the-health-benefits-of-yoga) or [swimming](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/fitness-exercise\/default.htm). That will help you build up muscle and [bone](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/osteoporosis\/features\/cm\/building-stronger-bones) strength. If you go outside to exercise, limber up first with some gentle stretches.\n- Don’t [strain](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/first-aid\/sprains-and-strains-treatment) your joints if you don’t have to. Let someone else lift those heavy boxes.\n- Make sure you take care of your health in general, like with good [nutrition](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/diet\/default.htm) and getting enough [sleep](https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/sleep-disorders\/default.htm).","meta_canonical":null}

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Meta Title	Weather & Joint Pain: Why Your Joints Hurt When It's Raining or Cold
Meta Description	It’s common to blame joint pain flare-ups on changes in the weather. Is it just an old wives’ tale, or does science back it up? WebMD explains how changes in barometric pressure, temperature, and even rain can cause joint pain.
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Boilerpipe Text	Does Weather Affect Joint Pain? 4 min read Maybe your grandmother knew a storm was coming when their knees started to hurt. Or you’ve felt your own joints ache when the temperature outside drops. It’s common to blame joint pain flare-ups on changes in the weather, and many doctors believe people can feel more joint pain on cold, rainy days. But the research on the connection between the two isn’t clear. Barometric pressure -- or the pressure of the air -- can affect joints, but humidity, precipitation, and temperature are also at play. That makes it tricky for scientists to pinpoint exactly what it is about the weather that leads some people to report more pain when it’s cold, rainy, or humid. Scientists have done many studies on joint pain and weather over the years, but so far, none can say for sure what the connection is. Part of the problem is the studies themselves -- many have used surveys of just a small number of people, which isn’t a very reliable way to measure a link. Still, there are a few theories about the relationship. One is that people with joint pain, especially arthritis , may be sensitive to changes in barometric pressure. How? It could be that when the cartilage that cushions the bones inside a joint is worn away, nerves in the exposed bones might pick up on changes in pressure. Another idea: Changes in barometric pressure may make your tendons, muscles, and any scar tissue expand and contract, and that can create pain in joints affected by arthritis. Low temperatures can also make the fluid inside joints thicker, so they feel stiffer. You might also feel more pain when the weather keeps you from moving around as much as you typically do. People tend to stay indoors and lounge around more when it’s cold and rainy outside, and inactive joints can get stiff and painful. Several studies have tried to pinpoint the kind of weather changes that affect joint pain, but the findings are all over the map. In one survey of 200 people with osteoarthritis in their knee , researchers found that every 10-degree drop in temperature -- as well as low barometric pressure --corresponded to a rise in arthritis pain. More recently, however, a Dutch study of 222 people with osteoarthritis of the hip found that over 2 years, people said their pain and stiffness got worse with rising barometric pressure and humidity. Another group of researchers took a look at medical records of more than 11 million Medicare visits and matched dates to local weather reports. They didn’t see any link between weather changes and joint pain at all. Two recent Australian studies -- one on knee pain and one on lower back pain -- also found no connection to weather change. But even though the science isn’t clear, flare-ups when the weather turns are very real for many people with joint pain. Some people’s bodies may just be more sensitive to changes in the weather. Many people say they find relief in warmer climates, but again, there’s no scientific proof that it will ease your aches. You don’t have to pick up and move to a different climate. There’s plenty you can do at home to relieve joint pain. When temperatures drop, try to keep yourself warm. Take warm showers or baths, dress in layers during the day (including gloves and warm socks), use an electric blanket at night, or crank up the heat inside your home. Try a paraffin bath. It’s a small machine that melts paraffin wax. You dip your hands and feet in, and then you let the wax harden on your skin . Your body absorbs the heat, which may soothe achy joints. You can also use a heating pad on sore spots. Ask your doctor about pain medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs ). Keep a healthy weight and stay active. Try exercise that’s gentle on the joints, like yoga or swimming . That will help you build up muscle and bone strength. If you go outside to exercise, limber up first with some gentle stretches. Don’t strain your joints if you don’t have to. Let someone else lift those heavy boxes. Make sure you take care of your health in general, like with good nutrition and getting enough sleep .
Markdown	[Skip to main content](https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/weather-and-joint-pain#main-container) [![Logo for WebMD](https://img.wbmdstatic.com/vim/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/logos/webmd/web/webmd_logo_white.svg)](https://www.webmd.com/) - [Home](https://www.webmd.com/) - [Conditions]() Back Conditions[![](https://img.lb.wbmdstatic.com/webmd_v1_static_vue/091e9c5e81e4870f/client/img/arrow-right.4012ff31.svg) View All](https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/health-topics) - [ADD/ADHD](https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/default.htm) - [Allergies](https://www.webmd.com/allergies/default.htm) - [Arthritis](https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/default.htm) - [Atrial fibrillation](https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/atrial-fibrillation/default.htm) - [Breast Cancer](https://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/default.htm) - [Cancer](https://www.webmd.com/cancer/default.htm) - [Crohn's Disease](https://www.webmd.com/ibd-crohns-disease/crohns-disease/default.htm) - [Depression](https://www.webmd.com/depression/default.htm) - 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[Types of Pain](https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/pain-types-and-classifications) - [Symptoms & Causes](https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/cause-chronic-pain) - [Tests & Diagnosis](https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/pain-management-diagnosing) - [Treatment](https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/pain-management-treatment-overview) - [Living With](https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/11-tips-for-living-with-chronic-pain) - [Support & Resources](https://doctor.webmd.com/) - [Appointment Prep](https://www.webmd.com/apptprep/your-surgery-prep-pain-relief-journey/toc) - [En Español](https://www.webmd.com/es/pain-management/manejo-del-dolor-cronico) - [View Full Guide](https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/default.htm) # Does Weather Affect Joint Pain? ![](https://img.lb.wbmdstatic.com/vim/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/articles/biographies/felson_sabrina_382x382.jpg?resize=51px:51px&output-quality=75) Written by Deborah Lynn Blumberg Medically Reviewed by [Sabrina Felson, MD](https://www.webmd.com/bio/sabrina-felson) on August 28, 2024 - [How Weather May Affect Joints](https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/weather-and-joint-pain#091e9c5e81b59793-1-2) - [What Kind of Weather?](https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/weather-and-joint-pain#091e9c5e81b59793-2-4) - [How to Ease Weather-Related Joint Pain](https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/weather-and-joint-pain#091e9c5e81b59793-4-6) 4 min read Maybe your grandmother knew a storm was coming when their knees started to hurt. Or you’ve felt your own joints ache when the temperature outside drops. It’s common to blame [joint pain](https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/joint-pain) flare-ups on changes in the weather, and many doctors believe people can feel more joint pain on cold, rainy days. But the research on the connection between the two isn’t clear. Barometric pressure -- or the pressure of the air -- can affect joints, but humidity, precipitation, and temperature are also at play. That makes it tricky for scientists to pinpoint exactly what it is about the weather that leads some people to report more [pain](https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/default.htm) when it’s cold, rainy, or humid. ## How Weather May Affect Joints Scientists have done many studies on joint pain and weather over the years, but so far, none can say for sure what the connection is. Part of the problem is the studies themselves -- many have used surveys of just a small number of people, which isn’t a very reliable way to measure a link. Still, there are a few theories about the relationship. One is that people with joint pain, especially [arthritis](https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/default.htm), may be sensitive to changes in barometric pressure. How? It could be that when the cartilage that cushions the bones inside a joint is worn away, nerves in the exposed bones might pick up on changes in pressure. Another idea: Changes in barometric pressure may make your tendons, muscles, and any scar tissue expand and contract, and that can create pain in joints affected by arthritis. Low temperatures can also make the fluid inside joints thicker, so they feel stiffer. You might also feel more pain when the weather keeps you from moving around as much as you typically do. People tend to stay indoors and lounge around more when it’s cold and rainy outside, and inactive joints can get stiff and painful. ## What Kind of Weather? Several studies have tried to pinpoint the kind of weather changes that affect joint pain, but the findings are all over the map. In one survey of 200 people with [osteoarthritis](https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/default.htm) in their [knee](https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/knee-pain/knee-pain-overview), researchers found that every 10-degree drop in temperature -- as well as low barometric pressure --corresponded to a rise in arthritis pain. More recently, however, a Dutch study of 222 people with [osteoarthritis of the hip](https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/hip-osteoarthritis-degenerative-arthritis-hip) found that over 2 years, people said their pain and stiffness got worse with rising barometric pressure and humidity. Another group of researchers took a look at medical records of more than 11 million [Medicare](https://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/cm/medicare-eligibility-and-enrollment) visits and matched dates to local weather reports. They didn’t see any link between weather changes and joint pain at all. Two recent Australian studies -- one on [knee pain](https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/knee-pain/default.htm) and one on [lower back pain](https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/ss/slideshow-low-back-pain-overview) -- also found no connection to weather change. But even though the science isn’t clear, flare-ups when the weather turns are very real for many people with joint pain. Some people’s bodies may just be more sensitive to changes in the weather. Many people say they find relief in warmer climates, but again, there’s no scientific proof that it will ease your aches. ## How to Ease Weather-Related Joint Pain You don’t have to pick up and move to a different climate. There’s plenty you can do at home to relieve joint pain. - When temperatures drop, try to keep yourself warm. Take warm showers or baths, dress in layers during the day (including gloves and warm socks), use an electric blanket at night, or crank up the heat inside your home. - Try a paraffin bath. It’s a small machine that melts paraffin wax. You dip your hands and [feet](https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/foot-pain-causes-and-treatments) in, and then you let the wax harden on your [skin](https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-overview-skin). Your body absorbs the heat, which may soothe achy joints. You can also use a heating pad on sore spots. - Ask your doctor about pain [medications](https://www.webmd.com/drugs/index-drugs.aspx) like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ([NSAIDs](https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/features/pain-relief-how-nsaids-work)). - Keep a [healthy weight](https://www.webmd.com/obesity/healthy-weight) and stay active. Try exercise that’s gentle on the joints, like [yoga](https://www.webmd.com/balance/the-health-benefits-of-yoga) or [swimming](https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/default.htm). That will help you build up muscle and [bone](https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/features/cm/building-stronger-bones) strength. If you go outside to exercise, limber up first with some gentle stretches. - Don’t [strain](https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/sprains-and-strains-treatment) your joints if you don’t have to. Let someone else lift those heavy boxes. - Make sure you take care of your health in general, like with good [nutrition](https://www.webmd.com/diet/default.htm) and getting enough [sleep](https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/default.htm). Sources Update History Share Print Save SOURCES: Michelle Eisenberg, DO, Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital, Houston. The American Journal of Medicine: “Changes in barometric pressure and ambient temperature influence osteoarthritis pain.” Harvard Health: “Can the Weather Really Worsen Arthritis Pain?” International Orthopedics: “Influence of weather variables on pain severity in end-stage osteoarthritis.” BMJ 2017: “Association between rainfall and diagnoses of joint or back pain: retrospective claims analysis.” Pain: “Associations between weather conditions and clinical symptoms in patients with hip osteoarthritis: a 2-year cohort study.” Arthritis Foundation: “Weather and Arthritis Pain.” Osteoarthritis Cartilage: “The influence of weather on the risk of pain exacerbation in patients with knee osteoarthritis -- a case-crossover study.” Pain Medicine: “Acute Low Back Pain? Do Not Blame the Weather -- A Case-Crossover Study.” BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders: “Self-perceived weather sensitivity and joint pain in older people with osteoarthritis in six European countries: results from the European Project on OSteoArthritis (EPOSA).” UChicago Medicine: “It's cold outside! Do your joints hurt?” Rush University Medical Center: “Can Weather Make Your Joints Ache?” [View privacy policy, copyright and trust info](https://www.webmd.com/about-webmd-policies/about-privacy-policy) Share Print Save [View privacy policy, copyright and trust info](https://www.webmd.com/about-webmd-policies/about-privacy-policy) ### More on Pain Management ![photo of more on lung cancer](https://img.lb.wbmdstatic.com/vim/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/article_thumbnails/hpt_toc_redesign/more_on/MoreOn_LungCancer.jpg?resize=300px:&output-quality=75) [Alternative Therapy For Pain Management](https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/pain-management-alternative-therapy) [Pain Management Treatment Overview](https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/pain-management-treatment-overview) [Best Exercises for a Pinched Nerve in Your Neck](https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/best-exercises-for-pinched-nerve-in-neck) Recommended ![photo of couple embracing](https://img.lb.wbmdstatic.com/vim/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/article_thumbnails/hpt_toc_redesign/hpt_toc_redesign_illustrations/1500x1500_living_and_managing_option_4.jpg?resize=500px:&output-quality=75) ### Related Links - [Pain Topics Home](https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/default.htm) - [Abdominal Pain](https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/abdominal-pain-causes-treatments) - [Arthritis](https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/default.htm) - [Back Pain](https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/default.htm) - [Carpal Tunnel Syndrome](https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/carpal-tunnel/default.htm) - [Fibromyalgia](https://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/default.htm) - [Hip Pain](https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/hip-pain-causes-and-treatment) - [Knee Pain](https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/knee-pain/default.htm) - [Foot Pain](https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/foot-pain-causes-and-treatments) - [Lupus](https://www.webmd.com/lupus/default.htm) - [Migraine](https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/default.htm) - [Nerve Pain](https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/treating-nerve-pain-caused-cancer-hiv) - [Osteoarthritis](https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/default.htm) - [Rheumatoid Arthritis](https://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/default.htm) - [Pain Topics News](https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/news-features) - [Pain Topics Reference](https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/medical-reference/default.htm) - [Pain Topics Slideshows](https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/ss/default.htm) - [Pain Topics Quizzes](https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/quiz/default.htm) - [Pain Topics Blog](https://blogs.webmd.com/pain-management/default.htm) - [Pain Topics Videos](https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/video/default.htm) - [Find a Neurologist](https://doctor.webmd.com/find-a-doctor/specialty/neurology) - [Find an Orthopedist](https://doctor.webmd.com/providers/specialty/orthopedic-surgery) - [Medications](https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/condition-3079/pain) - [Pill Identifier](https://www.webmd.com/pill-identification/default.htm) - [Check for Drug Interactions](https://www.webmd.com/interaction-checker/default.htm) ### Sign up for our free Chronic Pain Newsletter #### Get the latest news and information about managing pain ![WebMD: Better information. 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Readable Markdown	## Does Weather Affect Joint Pain? ![](https://img.lb.wbmdstatic.com/vim/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/articles/biographies/felson_sabrina_382x382.jpg?resize=51px:51px&output-quality=75) 4 min read Maybe your grandmother knew a storm was coming when their knees started to hurt. Or you’ve felt your own joints ache when the temperature outside drops. It’s common to blame [joint pain](https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/joint-pain) flare-ups on changes in the weather, and many doctors believe people can feel more joint pain on cold, rainy days. But the research on the connection between the two isn’t clear. Barometric pressure -- or the pressure of the air -- can affect joints, but humidity, precipitation, and temperature are also at play. That makes it tricky for scientists to pinpoint exactly what it is about the weather that leads some people to report more [pain](https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/default.htm) when it’s cold, rainy, or humid. Scientists have done many studies on joint pain and weather over the years, but so far, none can say for sure what the connection is. Part of the problem is the studies themselves -- many have used surveys of just a small number of people, which isn’t a very reliable way to measure a link. Still, there are a few theories about the relationship. One is that people with joint pain, especially [arthritis](https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/default.htm), may be sensitive to changes in barometric pressure. How? It could be that when the cartilage that cushions the bones inside a joint is worn away, nerves in the exposed bones might pick up on changes in pressure. Another idea: Changes in barometric pressure may make your tendons, muscles, and any scar tissue expand and contract, and that can create pain in joints affected by arthritis. Low temperatures can also make the fluid inside joints thicker, so they feel stiffer. You might also feel more pain when the weather keeps you from moving around as much as you typically do. People tend to stay indoors and lounge around more when it’s cold and rainy outside, and inactive joints can get stiff and painful. Several studies have tried to pinpoint the kind of weather changes that affect joint pain, but the findings are all over the map. In one survey of 200 people with [osteoarthritis](https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/default.htm) in their [knee](https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/knee-pain/knee-pain-overview), researchers found that every 10-degree drop in temperature -- as well as low barometric pressure --corresponded to a rise in arthritis pain. More recently, however, a Dutch study of 222 people with [osteoarthritis of the hip](https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/hip-osteoarthritis-degenerative-arthritis-hip) found that over 2 years, people said their pain and stiffness got worse with rising barometric pressure and humidity. Another group of researchers took a look at medical records of more than 11 million [Medicare](https://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/cm/medicare-eligibility-and-enrollment) visits and matched dates to local weather reports. They didn’t see any link between weather changes and joint pain at all. Two recent Australian studies -- one on [knee pain](https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/knee-pain/default.htm) and one on [lower back pain](https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/ss/slideshow-low-back-pain-overview) -- also found no connection to weather change. But even though the science isn’t clear, flare-ups when the weather turns are very real for many people with joint pain. Some people’s bodies may just be more sensitive to changes in the weather. Many people say they find relief in warmer climates, but again, there’s no scientific proof that it will ease your aches. You don’t have to pick up and move to a different climate. There’s plenty you can do at home to relieve joint pain. - When temperatures drop, try to keep yourself warm. Take warm showers or baths, dress in layers during the day (including gloves and warm socks), use an electric blanket at night, or crank up the heat inside your home. - Try a paraffin bath. It’s a small machine that melts paraffin wax. You dip your hands and [feet](https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/foot-pain-causes-and-treatments) in, and then you let the wax harden on your [skin](https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-overview-skin). Your body absorbs the heat, which may soothe achy joints. You can also use a heating pad on sore spots. - Ask your doctor about pain [medications](https://www.webmd.com/drugs/index-drugs.aspx) like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ([NSAIDs](https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/features/pain-relief-how-nsaids-work)). - Keep a [healthy weight](https://www.webmd.com/obesity/healthy-weight) and stay active. Try exercise that’s gentle on the joints, like [yoga](https://www.webmd.com/balance/the-health-benefits-of-yoga) or [swimming](https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/default.htm). That will help you build up muscle and [bone](https://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/features/cm/building-stronger-bones) strength. If you go outside to exercise, limber up first with some gentle stretches. - Don’t [strain](https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/sprains-and-strains-treatment) your joints if you don’t have to. Let someone else lift those heavy boxes. - Make sure you take care of your health in general, like with good [nutrition](https://www.webmd.com/diet/default.htm) and getting enough [sleep](https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/default.htm).
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