Published: 2014-11-24 years Updated: 2020-11-19
Author: Thomas C. Weiss | Contact: Disability World (www.disabled-world.com)
Peer-reviewed publications: N / A
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Summary: For instance, does the weather really affect a person with arthritis? If so, how does it affect them? The reality is that there hasn’t been a huge amount of research on the subject. It is important to note that only joint symptoms such as stiffness and pain are affected by the weather. There is no evidence that changes in weather contribute to actual joint damage. Elderly people are more susceptible to cold, so they should set the thermostat above 65 degrees…
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Main announcement
In 1961, the famous arthritis specialist J. Hollander conducted a study in which he built a climate chamber and demonstrated that high humidity combined with low barometric pressure is associated with an increase increased joint pain and stiffness. Neither of these weather factors affect a person’s joint symptoms. The study has received certain criticism due to the limited number of reviewers. The theory of the study is that inflamed joints swell when barometric pressure drops. The swelling irritates the nerves around the joint causing pain, making the joint stiffer.
Does this mean that people with arthritis should pick and move to a dry area? No it does not. Moving to a different climate doesn’t seem to make a difference over time. Scientific studies have shown that no matter where people live, their bodies seem to establish a new equilibrium with respect to the local climate. Thus, changes in weather affect general arthritis symptoms despite the actual average weather. Moving simply because of arthritis is not likely to be helpful in the long run. Have; For example, many rheumatologists are very busy in the state of Arizona.
Which leaves a question:
If a person suffers from joint pain and stiffness when the weather changes, how harmful is it? It is important to note that only joint symptoms such as stiffness and pain are affected by the weather. There is no evidence that changes in weather contribute to actual joint damage. In addition, changes in weather are not related to whether a person initially develops arthritis.
Specific health condition
There are a number of conditions that are clearly affected by the weather. Doctors work to inform people with these conditions that they should do their best to avoid aggravating these conditions by limiting exposure to certain weather conditions. Some of these conditions include the following.
Muscle cramps:
The risk of muscle cramps increases when performing an exercise activity without a full warm-up. It is especially true in cold environments. Very important; so to warm up the stretch and prepare your muscles to work before you start.
Lung disease:
Cold weather can also affect people with certain lung diseases. Asthma; For example, can be triggered in some people by physical activity in cold weather.
Rheumatoid lung disease, caused by a similar immune response that affects the joints of people with rheumatoid arthritis, is characterized by shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, and fever. For people with rheumatoid lung disease, winter air can worsen breathing problems.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus:
Lupus is a serious disease that can cause inflammation in several internal organs, including a person’s joints. Lupus can tend to be activated by exposure to sunlight, a trait known as ‘photosensitive’. Because UV can trigger and worsen lupus flares that can involve a person’s skin or joints and other organs, people with lupus should avoid sun exposure. Sunscreen and clothing that cover the extremities are important.
Osteoporosis:
Osteoporosis involves bones becoming more porous and prone to fracture and may not worsen with cold. Stairs and icy walkways; however, can be especially dangerous for people with fragile bones. Slips and falls can cause painful fractures, which can slow healing or even be disabling. If you have osteoporosis, it’s important to take steps to reduce your risk of falls. Make sure you have porch railings, keep sidewalks clear of ice and snow, and avoid wearing shoes with slippery soles. If you take medications that affect your balance or stability, ask your doctor about the possibility of changing your medications, or at least timing them so they are less likely to interfere with your daytime activities.
Raynaud’s phenomenon:
Raynaud’s phenomenon may be associated with a number of conditions characteristic of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, mixed connective tissue disease, lupus, polymyositis, and others. Raynaud’s phenomenon is a condition that results in discoloration of a person’s fingers or toes when they are exposed to changes in temperature or emotional events. Skin discoloration occurs due to constriction of the person’s blood vessels resulting in a reduced blood supply. Initially, this person’s digits turn white due to a reduced blood supply. The digits then turn blue because of the prolonged lack of oxygen. The blood vessels reopen, causing a localized flushing that turns your fingers or toes red. The three-phase color sequence, which usually occurs after exposure to cold temperatures, is characteristic of Raynaud’s phenomenon. People with Raynaud’s phenomenon should minimize exposure to extreme heat, especially cold, as well as rapid changes in temperature. They can also benefit from living in warmer environments.
Useful things
If you’re having trouble breathing, try wearing a mask when you need to be out in the cold. The mask, which can be found at some sporting and outdoor stores, covers your mouth and uses heat from your own breath to warm the air before it enters your lungs.
If you’re an arthritis sufferer whose pain symptoms are affected by the weather, there are a few things you can do, too. Some things you can do include:
- Avoid these: Avoid alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine as they have a drying effect on cartilage.
- Supplements: Ask your doctor about arthritis supplements that can prevent nutrient deficiencies that lead to pain from arthritis.
- Sleep: Get plenty of sleep, it restores your energy so you can better manage pain. It also gives your joints a break to reduce swelling and pain.
- Layered clothing: Wear multiple layers of clothing to protect your body tissues and to minimize rapid temperature changes between indoor and outdoor environments.
- Heating/Cooling: Take advantage of pads and warm baths to soothe pain. Applying ice helps reduce swelling and inflammation. Switch between heat and ice to get the benefits of both.
- Diet: Eat a healthy and balanced diet to boost your immune system, promote healing, and fight arthritis. Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, unsalted nuts, seeds, whole grains, and fish.
- Stay hydrated: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, juices, and other liquids. Water is a good alternative to help flush out toxins that can cause pain in arthritic joints.
- Pamper yourself: Listen to your favorite music, it helps with pain and depression. Therapeutic massage can reduce your symptoms as well as your mood. Paraffin wax treatment warms and softens your hands.
- Keep a pain diary: Write about how much pain you experience at different times, how you feel, and what activities you can and cannot do. Record your medications and diet. Bring a diary to your doctor’s visits.
- Keep exercising: Cold weather can promote inactivity, something that also causes joints to stiffen. Try walking at your local mall or other low-impact activities like dancing or swimming. Gentle stretching exercises for 5 to 10 minutes each morning will help relax tight muscles.
Elderly people are more susceptible to cold, so they should set the thermostat above 65 degrees. People who lower their temperature to reduce heating bills are at risk of developing hypothermia, a potentially fatal condition in which a person’s body temperature drops dangerously low. Others at risk include people taking certain medications, lacking proper nutrition, drinking alcohol, or those with medical conditions such as stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, or Parkinson’s disease.
Author credentials:
Thomas C. Weiss is a researcher and editor for Disabled World. Thomas attended college and university courses for a Master’s, Bachelor’s and two Associate’s degrees, as well as studying Disability Studies. As a Nursing Assistant, Thomas has supported people of many racial, religious, gender, class and age groups by providing care to people with all forms of disabilities. disability from Multiple Sclerosis to Parkinson’s; paralysis and quadriplegia for spina bifida.
Disability World is an independent disability community founded in 2004 to provide disability news and information to people with disabilities, seniors, their families and/or carers. . Check out our homepage for helpful news, reviews, sports, stories and guides. You can also connect with us on Twitter and Facebook or learn more about Disability World on our about us page.
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Disability World provides general information only. The documents presented are never meant to be a substitute for the professional medical care of a qualified physician, and they should not be construed as such. Financial assistance is obtained from advertisements or referral programs, if specified. Any 3rd party offers or advertisements do not constitute an endorsement.
• Citation of this Page (APA): Thomas C. Weiss. (2014, November 24) How the weather can affect your health. The world of people with disabilities. Accessed October 26, 2022 from www.disabled-world.com/health/weather-affect.php
• Permalinks: How the weather can affect your health
