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Heat and Joint Pain

You probably dread the news of snow or rain in your area, for the sake of your knees. Our joints usually hurt when cold weather comes our way, but what about warm weather? Summer’s hot temperatures can have an impact on certain joints and conditions.

While cold weather can increase aching, warm weather typically increases swelling and pain. This means that the increased pressure and humidity outdoors can increase the expansion of joints, tendons, muscles, and even scar tissue, leaving many of us with previous injuries in pain.

Chronic conditions can have flare-ups no matter the temperature outside, but the summer weather does cause our bodies to need a period of adjustment, and this can increase the painful symptoms of arthritis and other conditions.

How to Minimize Your Joint Pain During Warm Weather

If you are experiencing joint pain, it’s important to visit your doctor. You can decrease your pain at home by using or combining any of these methods:

• Staying cool. Remain inside when you can, especially on extremely hot days. Take breaks to stay cooler if you must venture outside, and make sure your air conditioner is turned up to a comfortable temperature.
• Stay hydrated. Water is not only good for your health, but it helps to flush toxins out of the body which also helps to fight inflammation. It aides your joints by keeping them well lubricated.
• Don’t overexert yourself. Over-extension or utilization of your joints in warm weather will leave you feeling swollen later. Be mindful of how much your joints can handle.

At Orthopaedic Specialty Group, we offer a wide variety of treatments to help our patients deal with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, chronic pain, sports injuries, and more. Contact us today to schedule your appointment (203) 337-2600!