Do you ever feel like your joints can predict a storm better than the weather app? Have you caught yourself blaming the weather for a flare-up in pain? If so, you are not alone. Many patients with joint pain report that their symptoms worsen with changes in the weather.
Why does the weather impact my pain?
Research shows that weather can impact joint pain, but the exact reason why isn’t fully understood. While there’s no single clear answer, studies have helped identify a few possible explanations.
- Pressures Changes before Storms
Drops in air pressure, which often occur before a storm, may play a role in increased joint pain. As the pressure drops, the tissues around your joints, including muscles, tendons, and even scar tissue, may slightly expand. This can increase pressure within the joint or on nearby nerves, which may lead to more discomfort.
2. Cold Temperatures
Changes in temperatures have also been associated with increased joint pain, with many individuals reporting higher pain levels in colder conditions. One reason may be that colder temperatures can make joints and surrounding muscles feel stiffer. While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, changes in temperature may affect the fluid inside the joint or caused an increase in pressure, leading to pain and stiffness.
3. Activity and Behavioral Changes
Research on weather-related joint pain is complex, as it is influenced by multiple factors. Environmental changes like cold temperatures and storms often lead to behavioral shifts, such as decreased activity levels, more time indoors, and changes in mood. Together, these factors can all play a role in how your joints respond, helping explain why pain may flare up when the weather changes.
It’s important to remember that the joint changes you notice with shifts in the weather are usually temporary. Understanding why this happens can be helpful, but more importantly, there are ways to manage these symptoms. If you find that your pain is starting to affect your daily activities or quality of life, it’s a good idea to seek additional support.
What can I do about it?
Even though the exact science behind how the weather impacts the joints is undetermined, your experience and pain are real and valid. The good news? You have more control over your symptoms than the forecast does.
One of the most effective ways to reduce and prevent joint pain is to keep your body moving. Staying active helps keep your joints flexible and your muscles strong. Something as simple as walking for 10 minutes can make a meaningful difference. The walk can take place in your home, the grocery store, a community center, or even a mall. Staying consistent with your home exercise program from your physical therapist is also key. As the saying goes, ‘motion is lotion.’ During flare-ups, it’s important to listen to your body and adjust your activity as needed, but avoiding movement altogether can often make symptoms worse.
Work Cited
- McAlindon, Tim et al. “Changes in barometric pressure and ambient temperature influence osteoarthritis pain.” The American journal of medicine vol. 120,5 (2007): 429-34. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.07.036
- Arthritis Foundation. “Weather-Arthritis Connection.” Arthritis Foundation, https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/understanding-pain/weather-arthritis-connection. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
- Shmerling, Robert H. “Can the Weather Really Worsen Arthritis Pain?” Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School, 20 Nov. 2015, https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-the-weather-really-worsen-arthritis-pain-201511208661. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
- Blumberg, Deborah Lynn. “Weather and Joint Pain.” WebMD, medically reviewed by Sabrina Felson, MD, 28 Aug. 2024, https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/weather-and-joint-pain. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
