Why do my joints hurt in damp, rainy weather?

What is happening?

When humidity and atmospheric pressure change, small changes occur in the tissues around a joint. The joint capsule and the soft tissue beside it can be sensitive to them.

That sensitivity increases the sensation of pain. But no new damage occurs inside the joint itself.

So weather-related pain is usually temporary and settles once the weather does.

Does it mean the disease is getting worse?

No. No change is expected on an X-ray or in blood tests.

There is a simple way to tell them apart: weather-related pain lasts a few days and passes. A flare of the disease arrives with other signs.

In a flare the joint swells, feels warm, morning stiffness lengthens, and the complaint continues after the weather has settled.

What can be done?

On those days it helps to keep the joint warm, move gently, and not skip your daily exercises.

Increasing the painkiller dose on your own is not the answer. Weather is a passing cause and does not call for a change of treatment.

If swelling and warmth appear alongside the pain, do not put it down to the weather — that needs an examination.

When to see a doctor

• The joint is swollen, warm and red
• Morning stiffness lasts more than half an hour
• The pain continues after the weather has settled
• There is fever, fatigue or weight loss alongside the pain

These are not weather-related and call for a rheumatology examination.