Barometric Pressure & Joint Replacements

Joint replacement is surgery that removes a damaged joint and replaces it with a new one. Sometimes people who have joint problems, such as arthritis, experience joint pain when weather conditions change. Joint pain from barometric pressure changes may require joint replacement for long-term relief.

Barometric Pressure

• USA Today describes barometric pressure as the weight of atmospheric air pressing downward on the Earth. This pressure varies with temperature and altitude. Barometers are used to measure this air pressure, giving it its name.

Weather and Joint Pain

• Changes in air pressure associated with wet weather can affect pressure-sensitive nerves in joints and cause pain, according to Dr. Javad Parvisi in a ScienceDaily article.

Damaged Joints and Barometric Pressure

• Patients with severely arthritic or damaged joints feel barometric changes especially strongly because these joints tend to contain less protective cartilage.

Joint Replacement

• While anti-inflammatory medications may relieve joint pain temporarily, Dr. Parvisi states that joint replacement may offer the best chance of long-term relief for patients with severe joint deterioration.

The Procedure

• A total joint replacement surgery involves installing a new metal ball-and-socket prosthesis to replace the original joint and relieve pain, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.