Why Does Rain Cause Joint Pain?
April showers bring May flowers, and they may also bring joint pain for many. When a friend tells you that it is going to rain because he can feel it--believe him. Weather-related joint pain has science to back it up, and knees, shoulders, legs, feet and other body parts and joints can prove it.
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Who Experiences Rain Related Joint Pain?
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People who experience rain-related joint pain often suffer from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other arthritis conditions. Individuals with previously broken bones and those with multiples sclerosis and other neurological diseases are also affected.
What Is Affected?
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Any weight-bearing joint can be affected and feel pain. Typically, pain is felt in the hips, knees, elbows, shoulders and hands.
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Why?
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The body's joints have sensory nerves. These nerves are called baro-receptors and they do respond to changes in the atmosphere. When the barometric pressure drops or is low, it signifies that the air has become moist, signaling a chance for rain. The body's nerve receptors respond to low barometric pressure.
Explanation
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When air and environmental pressure changes and falls, the amount of fluid or pressure in the body's joints varies. People with arthritis will feel the change more significantly because they have less cartilage that cushions the body's joints.
Ups and Down
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People with joint pain often know about the weather before it occurs. When the barometric pressure goes down immediately before a storm, their pain goes up.
Scientific Study
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Several studies have been conducted to back up rain-related joint pain. The American Journal of Medicine has found a correlation to support this theory and published it in its May 2007 issue.
Fun Fact
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Blame it on the rain. Some armchair weather forecasters are quite accurate. Listen to grandma and grandpa when they say it's going to rain--and grab the umbrella.
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