Joint pain that's worse in cold weather
Overview
Joint pain that worsens in cold weather is a common symptom where stiffness, aching, or discomfort in the joints becomes more intense during colder temperatures or weather changes. This weather-related joint pain typically affects areas like the knees, hips, hands, and spine, often occurring in people with arthritis or other joint conditions.
Common Causes
Cold weather can cause joint tissues to stiffen and become less flexible, while changes in barometric pressure may affect the fluid around your joints. Your muscles and tendons also tend to tighten up in cooler temperatures, putting extra stress on your joints. Additionally, people often become less active during colder months, which can lead to joint stiffness and reduced mobility that makes discomfort more noticeable.
Severity Levels
Mild: You may notice slight stiffness or minor aches in your joints when the temperature drops, but daily activities remain manageable with perhaps some extra warm-up time needed.
Moderate: Joint discomfort becomes more noticeable during cold weather, potentially affecting your mobility and requiring you to adjust activities or use warming techniques to find relief.
Severe: Cold weather triggers significant joint pain that substantially limits your movement and daily functioning, often requiring medical intervention or pain management strategies to maintain quality of life.
Medical Attention
See a doctor if your joint pain significantly interferes with daily activities or sleep, persists for more than a few weeks, or is accompanied by severe swelling, redness, or warmth around the joints. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden onset of severe joint pain, fever along with joint symptoms, or if you're unable to move the affected joint normally. It's also important to consult a healthcare provider if over-the-counter pain medications aren't providing adequate relief or if you notice your symptoms are progressively worsening over time.

4k+ Collection Centres

90k+ Biomarkers Tested

Early Detection