Do you find your arthritis pain increases in certain weather conditions? Can you predict rain based on the feeling in your joints?
Arthritis is a condition which is believed to be directly affected by the weather and changes in barometric pressure.
There is no scientific evidence to say that there is a link, but many sufferers are convinced the weather plays a part in their condition.
In the 1960’s a study was organised to show how high levels of humidity and low barometric pressure increased stiffness and joint pain in people with arthritis.
Leading the study Dr J. Hollander suggested that, alone neither one of these occurrences made a difference to the condition, but together they could have an impact on pain.
He found that when the barometric pressure dropped, the swelling around the joints increased. The study has been rejected by many scientists as it only included 12 patients.
A more recent study on people with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia who lived in a warm climate showed that an increase in pain bought on by the weather varied with each type of condition.
Those with rheumatoid arthritis experienced pain during high levels of humidity and air pressure, those with osteoarthritis were affected by high humidity and the fibromyalgia sufferers suffered on days of high pressure. None of the findings were strong enough to confirm that weather could change pain levels.
Despite the lack of scientific proof, those living with arthritis believe that weather affects arthritic pain.
A change in air pressure, rain, humidity, and a drop in the temperature are all blamed on an increase in the pain experienced by people with arthritis.
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