[KoK! Health] Stiff Every Morning... Winter Rheumatoid Arthritis Warning

Rheumatoid arthritis.

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwanju] Rheumatoid arthritis, one of the representative autoimmune diseases, is more common in women than men and in middle-aged and older patients, earning it the nickname "mom's disease." According to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, in 2021, the number of patients treated for rheumatoid arthritis was about three times higher in women (195,326) than in men (63,391).

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which lymphocytes responsible for immunity attack the synovium surrounding the joints, causing inflammation. Once inflammation begins, the synovium swells and destroys the cartilage and bones of the surrounding tissues, leading to joint destruction and functional impairment. Along with pain, fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, and weight loss, symptoms such as fatigue and depression appear, severely lowering quality of life.

Patients typically report that pain worsens in winter. No direct causal relationship between weather and rheumatoid arthritis pain has been established. However, there is a hypothesis that changes in temperature, atmospheric pressure, and sunlight during winter may worsen or intensify the perception of pain. Changes in atmospheric pressure can cause expansion of tissues such as tendons and muscles, potentially exacerbating pain, and reduced sunlight in winter can increase depression, which, combined with decreased activity, may heighten pain sensitivity.

Rheumatoid arthritis has the characteristic that its early symptoms resemble those of menopause, such as fever, depression, and generalized pain. As a result, it is often mistaken for simple menopausal symptoms. Professor Song Ran of the Rheumatology Department at Kangdong Kyung Hee University Hospital explained, "Hormonal and bone density changes occurring during menopause need to be examined more carefully."

Professor Song Ran from the Rheumatology Department at Gangdong Kyung Hee University Hospital is examining a patient.
[Photo by Gangdong Kyung Hee University Hospital]

Key symptoms that may suggest rheumatoid arthritis include ▲morning stiffness in the fingers lasting more than an hour, making it difficult to clench a fist or move the fingers ('morning stiffness') ▲swelling and pain in joints such as fingers, toes, wrists, elbows, and shoulders on both sides ▲swelling and a warm sensation around the painful joints. If you experience these symptoms or if they worsen, you should visit a hospital immediately for examination.

Another challenge for middle-aged rheumatoid arthritis patients is osteoporosis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a risk factor for osteoporosis. For menopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis, regular osteoporosis screening is essential. The risk of osteoporosis and fractures should be assessed annually, and follow-up monitoring should continue every 1 to 3 years depending on bone density levels.

After menopause, not only rheumatoid arthritis but also osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) and various muscle pains often occur. Psychological withdrawal combined with subzero temperatures reduces outdoor activity, which can accelerate muscle loss and osteoporosis. Therefore, efforts should be made to prevent worsening rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and complications through regular lifestyle habits, exercise, and a healthy diet.

Emotional support from those around you is as important as your own willpower. Professor Song emphasized, "Emotional support from family, friends, and acquaintances makes managing rheumatoid arthritis in winter more favorable." Simply wearing thermal underwear, gloves, scarves, and hats to maintain body temperature when going outside, or receiving care from those around you, can greatly help rheumatoid arthritis patients overcome depression.

- Keep your home and work environment warm, and pay attention to maintaining body temperature by wearing thermal underwear, gloves, hats, etc., when going outside.
- However, be cautious not to wear excessively thick clothing, as it increases the risk of falls or accidents.
- Regular exercise is necessary even in cold weather. Stretch in the morning and evening to prevent muscles and tendons from stiffening.
- Reduced activity and movement in winter can lead to weight gain. Manage your weight to prevent increase.
(Advice from: Professor Song Ran, Rheumatology Department, Kangdong Kyung Hee University Hospital)