Why does damp weather worsen my joint pain? Even my fingers hurt. What eases the stiffness and pain?
S. Collins, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire
Dr Martin Scurr replies: There is evidence that cold weather can indeed exacerbate aches and pains.
This is partly because this type of weather is normally brought about by a low pressure front, which causes a drop in atmospheric pressure – and that reduction in external pressure allows tissues including muscles, tendons and joint capsules (the membrane that surrounds the joints) to expand slightly.
If you already have inflammatory arthritis, then the pain is likely to increase – it’s thought this is due to pressure on nerves, but the exact mechanisms are not understood. (People with fibromyalgia, which causes body-wide pain, may suffer more as their pain receptors seem to be ‘tripped’ by cold conditions.)
Exposure to the cold also changes the nature of muscle tissue, making it less elastic, while the synovial fluid that lubricates joints may thicken and become less fluid.
Meanwhile, blood vessels constrict – reducing blood flow. As a result, you may feel more stiff than normal in the morning.
Add to this the psychological impact – many people expect that their usual aches and pains will feel worse in colder weather, so their awareness of any physical discomfort is amplified.
Now to what you can do: first, resist the urge to hibernate indoors. Move as much as you can, focusing on gentle stretches and movements that make muscles more flexible and joints more agile.
A drop in atmospheric pressure, which can cause cold weather, can make aches and pains worse by allowing body tissues to expand slightly
In terms of a supplement you can take, there is some evidence that turmeric may help and has an anti-inflammatory action.
Most importantly I’d encourage you to take vitamin D, as this will improve bone health and studies suggest it reduces arthritis pain (though there isn’t definitive proof). The official advice is that everyone in the UK takes 10mcg daily from October until April.
Morning stiffness can be helped with a warm shower – and wear layers to trap warmth near your affected joints.
I constantly worry about everything. I have tried antidepressants, beta blockers and painkillers, but I have IBS, so side-effects are a problem. The only thing that has given relief is diazepam, which I am no longer allowed. I also have restless legs, so do not sleep more than a few hours each night. Please advise me what might help. I am so tired and have no family or friends to help.
Name and address supplied.
Dr Martin Scurr replies: I am sorry to hear about your situation – these following suggestions could help.
The most important is to find a group or activity that will take you out of your home for an hour or two every week and force you to focus on learning something that demands concentration.
Yoga and Tai Chi classes might fit the bill as these require focus and will act as a form of meditation, which studies show helps ease anxiety.
Or perhaps an art or gardening club: in such classes you will often find like-minded individuals – and it is good to know that you are not alone and that your symptoms are a common experience for so many. Book an initial session and try to approach it with an open mind.
I would also suggest taking Lavandula angustifolia (i.e. common lavender), which you can buy in capsule form.
Studies in people with mild to moderate anxiety show it has a superior calming action when compared with some antidepressants, and with fewer side-effects.
For your restless legs, try iron: one tablet daily of Ferrograd C. Iron deficiency in the brain is a factor in this condition and the vitamin C in the tablet aids the absorption of the iron
I’d hope that over time, if you commit to these suggestions, your anxiety will be better managed, even if not fully resolved.
