[Click! Health] Joints Ache When It Rains... How to Prevent Joint Pain?

When the rainy season begins, many people experience aching and pain in their joints. Arthritis patients, on the other hand, say that the pain is much less on warm days. This pain is a common phenomenon seen not only in rheumatoid arthritis but also in osteoarthritis, which causes degenerative changes in the joints, and in patients with fibromyalgia who complain of systemic joint and muscle pain. Many studies have been conducted to scientifically verify this phenomenon, but there is still no definitive evidence. It is only presumed that when the external temperature drops and the relative humidity rises, nerves around the joint capsule are stimulated, causing pain.

Stock photo of arthritis.

During prolonged rainy periods and low atmospheric pressure, pain can worsen, making it easy to stop exercising. However, stopping exercise can lead to further muscle atrophy and weakening, which fails to protect the joints and may worsen damage and pain. It is best to consistently continue exercises that are good for the joints. Especially in degenerative arthritis that occurs with aging, exercise must be combined with medication, and appropriate exercises should be chosen according to individual muscle strength and physical condition.

Typically, exercises beneficial for arthritis include swimming, stretching, cycling (at low speed), squats, and yoga. These are generally exercises that can be done indoors even during the rainy season. Patients who have been doing these exercises regularly should continue, but if pain and stiffness worsen due to the rainy season, reducing exercise time and increasing stretching before and after exercise can also help.

However, arthritis patients need to be aware of some precautions when exercising. First, they should receive detailed prescriptions from their primary physician regarding the type and duration of exercise suitable for them. For example, if walking is chosen, it is best to get specific instructions on whether it helps their current knee arthritis, how many minutes per session, and how many times per day to perform it. Inappropriate exercise can actually worsen arthritis.

Huh Jin-wook, Professor of Rheumatology, Nowon Eulji University Hospital.

When there is joint pain, it is usually best to stop exercising and rest the joint. Walking while enduring pain, thinking it will strengthen the legs, can actually worsen arthritis. Also, exercise should be done a little every day consistently. If there is joint pain without swelling or heat, applying a hot pack can help reduce pain. Heat therapy changes the temperature of tissues deeper than the skin, relieving joint stiffness and improving function.

However, frequent application of excessively hot heat packs should be avoided as it can cause destruction of collagen contained in joint cartilage and tissues. Conversely, if there is severe inflammation with localized heat in the joint area, cold therapy is effective. Professor Heo Jin-wook of the Rheumatology Department at Nowon Eulji University Hospital said, "In cases of joint pain described as aching and sore bones, the pain is generally around the joint or muscle pain. Actual arthritis often involves significant swelling or heat in the joint, tenderness when pressed, or restricted joint movement. In such cases, it is essential to visit a rheumatology specialist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment."