Dry Weather & Arthritis Pain Relief

Many arthritis sufferers can testify that they often experience an increased level of pain when there are changes in weather. WrongDiagnosis.com confirms that changes from dry to wet weather can have this unfortunate result. Thankfully, there are ways patients can find relief of their pain.

Why it happens

• Johns Hopkins Health Alerts tells arthritis patients that dry weather doesn't cause as much additional pain as cold, wet weather.

  Some researchers believe that arthritis pain is triggered by changes in weather as a result of changes in air pressure, which may causes the body's tissues to swell, adding inflammation to already swollen joints and increasing pain. Others speculate that arthritis patients have heightened sensitivity in their nerve endings, which makes them react to changes in barometric pressure. MayoClinic.com confirms that fibromyalgia is also included with the kinds of arthritic diseases affected by changes in weather from dry to wet.

What will help

• The Arthritis Foundation tells visitors to their website, Arthritis.org, that there are several things they can do to manage their pain. For example, hot and cold packs can reduce their stiffness and pain associated with arthritis.

  Massage may help many suffering with arthritis pain by helping the patient relax and deal with stiffness causing pain.

  Some people find relief from weather-related arthritis pain with over-the-counter medications available at any drugstore. For example, aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen help reduce pain and inflammation related to arthritis.

  A hot bath or a soak in a hot tub brings warmth, massage and relief to arthritis pain. For those people who are not fortunate enough to have a home hot tub, devices are available that fit in any standard bathtub that create a whirlpool effect while taking a bath.

  Wearing a brace or wrap around the affected area offers additional support on the joint and may help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

  Some patients have found relief from alternative therapies such as acupuncture and hypnosis.

  It is recommended that you consult your medical professional before starting any kind of medical therapy.

What will not help

• No environment can guarantee arthritis patients a pain-free existence. At best, the weather in certain locations may have a slight effect on their pain level. Additionally, however changes in weather may make a person feel, they have no effect on the actual progression of the disease.

  Most medical professionals agree that no significant pain is connected with weather and arthritis, so changing locations will not offer measurable relief.