What Are the Effects of Barometric Pressure on Rheumatoid Arthritis?

The old adage goes that people with arthritis can predict the weather based on their aches and pains. Many rheumatoid arthritis patients would agree that their symptoms are exacerbated by changes in barometric pressure.

Expert Opinion

• Johns Hopkins Health Alerts tells readers that cold, damp weather has the most impact on rheumatoid arthritis pain.

Inflammation

• According to WrongDiagnosis.com, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms are triggered by changes in barometric air pressure that cause the body's tissues to swell, adding to the inflammation of already swollen joints and increasing pain.

Nerves

• Rheumatoid arthritis patients experience heightened sensitivity in nerve endings, causing reactions to changes in barometric pressure.

Fibromyalgia

• MayoClinic.com reports that fibromyalgia, a disease that is often related to rheumatoid arthritis, is also affected by changes in barometric pressure.

Prevention/Solution

• The Arthritis Foundation advises that RA patients sensitive to weather can ease pain with at-home treatments such as over-the-counter pain medications and heating pads.

Good News

• Although some RA patients may experience increased pain with barometric pressure changes, it has no effect on the progression of the disease and will not cause permanent damage to joints.