How to Use a Dehumidifier to Help Arthritis

Although research is conflicting, many people feel their arthritis pain is worse during high humidity and particularly on cold, rainy days, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. This perception is true for people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as for people with fibromyalgia, a rheumatic disorder that causes joint pain. You probably don't want to move to an entirely different climate because of arthritis, so using a dehumidifier to help relieve your arthritis pain is worth a try.

Things You'll Need

• Air conditioner
• Dehumidifier
• Hygrometer

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Instructions

• 1

  Run your air conditioner on excessively warm days when humidity levels are high, as air conditioning has a dehumidifying effect. For many people, however, their humidity-related arthritis flareups occur primarily during cool or cold, damp weather, resulting in the need for a dehumidifier.

• 2

  Buy a dehumidifier. A whole-house dehumidifier is best, but if that is cost-prohibitive, purchase one that can handle most of your regular living space. You also can easily find smaller and less expensive dehumidifiers to cover a room or small area, as well as used dehumidifiers for sale in newspaper advertisements and online bulletin boards. These are much cheaper than new ones, but be aware that older models can be energy-inefficient.

• 3

  If your dehumidifier does not include one, buy a hygrometer as well. Hygrometers are inexpensive devices that calculate humidity levels; you can find them at department stores and hardware stores.

• 4

  Determine the highest humidity level where you feel comfortable and your arthritis does not flare up. When the humidity level reaches this mark, close the windows and run the dehumidifier to lower it.