Dampness & Joint Pain

Damp weather can definitely result in joint pain, particularly on load bearing joints, such as your knees, elbows, hips, hands and shoulders.

Baro-Receptors

Our joints contain baro-receptors, which are sensory nerves. These nerves respond to changes in pressure in the atmosphere. When the barometric pressure is low, rainy, damp weather occurs. The receptors react to this and that’s when joint swelling, pain and aching begins.

Barometic Pressure and Temperature

According to Arthritistoday.com, barometric pressure is the weight of the air that surrounds us. Sometimes an increase in barometric pressure can prompt joint pain. A drop in temperature can also increase arthritic pain.

Expert Insight

Dr. Robert N. Jamison, who, along with his colleagues at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, conducted a questionnaire survey of 558 chronic pain patients, which showed that the greater the degree of change in the climate, the greater pain people experience.

Pain Signals Sent By Nerves

Barometric pressure generally falls right before the arrival of wet, damp weather. When this happens, your bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons have to adjust by expanding. When expansion occurs, sensitized nerves send out pain signals.

Inflammation

Damp weather can detonate inflamed joints.

References

• Arthritis Today: Symptoms, Pain, Weather
• New York Times: Chronic Pain
• Science Daily: Joint Pain