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Rainy Weather and Arthritis – Causes and Treatments for Joint Pain

Home Care in Simpsonville SC

When a storm is brewing, some people have noticeable arthritis symptoms they associate with rainy or cold weather. According to WebMD, there is some validity to having your joints and bones Home-Care-in-Simpsonville-SC predict the weather through painful inflammation due to a change in barometric pressure that impacts the body. For some, they have increased pain in their knees when the weather gets cooler, while others may complain about elbow or feet problems. Elders who receive in-home care and have arthritis may also complain about joint and bone pain, making it difficult to do even the most mundane tasks by themselves. If you are wondering if the weather could be making your loved ones arthritis symptoms flair up, here is some information to take under consideration.

Could the weather cause pain?
Although some scientists would disagree with this, there are a number of theories out there to back it up. One theory suggests that the change in barometric pressure is the reason behind the arthritis pain, not the cold or rainy weather. The barometric pressure often drops before the weather becomes damp, stormy, or cold, causing the tissues to expand, resulting in an increase of pressure against the joints. People who spend most of their time at home, such as older adults who receive senior care, notice drastic changes in their bodies when the weather is not nice, but moving to a warmer state may not be the answer. Adults that have arthritis pain will feel it no matter where they are living, and it may be even more pronounced in warmer states like Arizona and Florida. A researcher reported to WebMD that San Diego actually reported the most sensitivity to changes in the weather. Since these residents are around constant warm weather, one slight change to their picture-perfect sunshine could cause major problems for the joint and bone health of adults.

Getting relief from weather-related pain
Fortunately, it is possible to get some relief from arthritis during dreary weather. There are number of things your loved one can do to decrease their chances of having a flare up.

  • Dress in layers. Staying warm in general will help keep joint pain away. During cold months, elders should be dressing in layers to ensure they are warm at all times. Sleeping under an electric blanket will also keep them cozy and warm while they sleep.
  • Stay active. Low impact exercises will help keep your loved one’s joints loose and pain-free. However, it is important all older adults discuss all types of physical activity and exercise with their doctor before participating in it.
  • Be happy. Your mood can have a direct impact on the well-being of your body, so avoiding depressed, anxious, or stressed feelings will reduce the possibility of painful arthritis symptoms. Getting an adequate amount of sleep, exercising, and doing brain challenges, such as crossword puzzles, are a great way to boost one’s mood and avoid painful joint problems.

If your loved one is receiving elder care from a professional home care provider, they may also be able to suggest way to reduce weather-related arthritis.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring home care near Simpsonville, SC, contact Heart of the Carolinas Home Care at 864-991-3116. Providing Home Care Services in Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Anderson, Spartanburg, Mauldin, Seneca, Laurens, Charleston, Columbia and the surrounding areas.

Source:  Kam, Katherine. WebMD. “Does Weather Affect Joint Pain?”

Edward Harrison

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