Why Your Joints Ache in Winter and What You Can Do

Why do my joints ache in winter?

If your joints feel stiffer or more painful in the winter, you’re not imagining it. Many people report more joint discomfort as the temperatures drop.

Several factors may explain this.

• Changes in barometric pressure. When the weather shifts, the air pressure changes, which can cause joints to expand slightly. This may lead to pain or stiffness, especially if you have arthritis or an old injury.
• Muscle tightness. Cold temperatures often cause muscles to contract and tighten, which can put extra strain on your joints and lead to discomfort.
• Reduced activity levels. In winter, people tend to move less and stay indoors, leading to stiffness and weakened muscles that support the joints.

These combined factors can leave your joints feeling stiff, achy and less flexible during colder months.

Common conditions linked to cold weather joint pain.

Certain conditions tend to flare up more often during the winter months. If your joints hurt when the weather turns cold, one of these conditions could be the cause:

1. Arthritis. Arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, is one of the most common causes of joint pain. Cold weather often makes symptoms like stiffness and swelling feel worse, especially when combined with reduced physical activity.
2. Bursitis. Bursitis happens when the small fluid-filled sacs around your joints become inflamed. Winter’s colder temperatures can increase sensitivity in these areas, making pain more noticeable.
3. Raynaud’s phenomenon. Raynaud’s phenomenon causes the blood vessels in your fingers and toes to narrow when exposed to cold. While it doesn’t directly affect your joints, it can cause stiffness and discomfort in the surrounding areas.
4. Past injuries or joint damage.If you’ve had a previous joint injury or repetitive wear-and-tear, the cold can make that area feel more uncomfortable. Scar tissue tends to be less flexible and cold temperatures can heighten stiffness and pain.

Does cold weather really make joint pain worse?

The link between cold weather and joint pain isn’t entirely clear, but many people may feel more discomfort in the winter. Factors like lower barometric pressure, reduced circulation and less physical activity may all contribute to this feeling.

Cold weather may also make your joints feel stiffer by slowing blood flow and tightening muscles and tendons. When combined with less physical activity, this can create a perfect storm for increased pain and reduced mobility.

A study by Robert Jamison, Karen Anderson and Mark Slater found that most chronic pain patients believe that weather affects their pain. Cold and damp conditions were the most common triggers for them, but participants also reported that humid, warmer environments were also triggers for their chronic pain.

Take control of joint pain with CityMD.

Cold weather doesn’t have to hold you back. There are steps you can take to keep your joints comfortable and healthy during the winter months:

• Stay active. Low-impact exercises like walking, stretching, or swimming can help keep your joints flexible and reduce stiffness.
• Keep warm. Wear layers and gloves to maintain warmth in your joints. A scarf or jacket with good insulation can also help.
• Use heat therapy. Heating pads, warm baths, or hot packs can relieve and improve circulation in achy joints.
• Stretch regularly. Gentle stretches, especially in the morning or before physical activity, can help prevent stiffness and discomfort.

If your joint pain feels severe or doesn’t improve, visit your nearest CityMD urgent care. Our healthcare providers can evaluate your symptoms and recommend the proper treatment to help you feel better.

At CityMD, we’re here to help you stay active and healthy, even when the temperature drops. Walk into any of our locations for fast, convenient care—no appointment needed. Winter joint pain doesn’t have to slow you down and we’re ready to help you get back to feeling your best.