Aches and pains and damp weather

[lilmonkey]

Does damp weather really make joint pain like arthritis worse? Is there a medical reason for this, or is it an old wives tale and the worsening of the pain psychological?

[Octavius]

The perceived link between illness and the weather dates back to 400BC when it was noted by Hippocrates. Since that time, there have been conflicting opinions on the matter, and there is still no universal agreement as to whether the weather has an effect on conditions such as arthritis.

Medical conditions that have been reported as being sensitive to changes in the weather include: rheumatoid arthritis; osteoarthritis; low back pain; gout; fibromyalgia; phantom limb pain; scar pain; headaches; trigeminal neuralgia; and pain influenced by mood disorder.

Some researchers are not convinced of the link between weather and pain, and think that people tend to look for patterns where none exist. For example, a person might have an experience when intense pain was coincidentally accompanied by bad weather, and this may be enough for them to believe the 2 are always linked.

[lizzierose]

my old ankle injury always hurts in stormy or damp weather. usually before I even realise its stormy or damp. its pretty consistent and i never even notice my old injury unless the weather is bad. i have no scientific basis for this though : )

[shaneystar]

I have severe osteoarthritis and find that the weather does affect how I feel.The cold damp weather makes my joints ache.As soon as the rain comes down they ease of somewhat.Very hot weather has the same effect.

[artee]

http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=GGLD,GGLD:2004-35,GGLD:en&q=wet+weather+pains+in+arthritis

Most natural health professionals and their patients believe this to be so lilmonkey. With the damp weather there is usually a cooling off in temperature as well and this can tighten the muscles, tendons etc causing pain. The condition is there first though, the weather is simply an agravant.  And as shaneystar says, and I,  believe her/him, even the heat affects the problem.
You may find something to help with answers if you click on the above link.

[redmug100]

It could be the change in air pressure rather than the dampness that causes the aches and pains. Damp weather is usually accomonied with low presure.

[Mistopheles]

Yep, change in air pressure is more usually atributed to pain. I have a condition called HMS, and find it gets much worse when the weather is 'on the change'. The specialist told me it's something to do with the pressure change - as the pressure changes, the air in the joints expands slightly causing more pain.

[jimmy654]

It Makes my Fibromyalgia (similar to arthritis) flare up
http://www.myfibro.com/fibromyalgia-pain