This Is Why Cold Weather Makes Your Joints Ache, According to Doctors

From prevention.com

You’re not imagining it 

Joint pain can happen any time of year, but it’s not uncommon to notice your joints aching more when temperatures drop. It may seem unrelated, but it isn’t a coincidence—doctors say there are scientific reasons why cold weather makes joints ache.

Some of this achiness is a direct effect of the cold; other times, it could be due to indirect effects that come along with chilly temperatures. Whatever the exact cause, you aren’t imagining it—experts say this is a real phenomenon.

“It’s not a myth that joints become more uncomfortable in the cold,” says Brandon Erickson, M.D., director of orthopaedics for Northwell in Westchester and chief of orthopaedics at Phelps Hospital.

Ahead, these are the biggest reasons why cold weather makes joints ache, plus tips on how to stay more comfortable in cooler temperatures going forward.

How common is it for joints to ache more in cold weather?

Very. “Though the research is mixed, several studies link drops in temperature and drops in barometric pressure to increased joint pain and stiffness,” says Will Harvey, M.D., rheumatologist at Tufts Medical Center and the current President of the American College of Rheumatology.

While Dr. Harvey stresses that “there is no evidence that the cold causes arthritis,” it’s especially common for people who have arthritis or other conditions that can impact their joint cartilage to experience worsened joint pain in the cold, says Jeffrey Zarin, M.D., orthopaedic surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine in Los Angeles.

SimpleImages//Getty Images

Why do joints ache more in the cold?

Cold weather comes with different elements that can impact how joints feel. “It’s part of the reason why some people move to warmer climates when they get older,” Erickson says.

These are the most common cold-weather factors that can impact the way your joints feel.

Thickening synovial fluid.

Synovial fluid is a thick fluid found between the joints that acts like a natural lubricant to keep the joints moving. “It also contains many factors that help to keep the tissues around the joint healthy,” says Dr. Zarin. But when the weather gets cold, synovial fluid can get thicker than usual.

“This ‘thickened’ fluid does not allow the joints to move as smoothly and can create the sensation of stiffness and tightness,” Dr. Zarin says. “This can also cause the inflammation of the joint to increase.”

Drops in barometric pressure.

Barometric pressure is the force of air molecules on the Earth’s atmosphere. “Drops in barometric pressure, as occurs in low-pressure storms, have been associated with increases in joint pain, independent of temperature,” says Dr. Harvey. That may explain why your joints ache more when snow is in the forecast.

The decreasing pressure outside of the body can cause all of the tissues to swell slightly, Dr. Zarin explains. “While this is generally something a person would not detect, when there is inflammation due to arthritis, the sensitized nerve endings can have increased stimulation, which would be perceived as pain,” he explains.

Changes in blood flow.

Blood vessels tend to constrict—or tighten—in cold weather, and your body automatically adjusts where your blood circulation goes to protect your internal organs. “This will lead to a decreased circulation to the extremities and joints, which can cause the muscles to become more stiff or inflexible,” Dr. Zarin says.

This is different from putting ice on an inflamed joint, Dr. Zarin says. “While putting ice on an inflamed joint will help decrease circulation and help you feel better, a generalized decrease in the blood circulation to the extremities can lead to a sensation of stiffness or aching,” he says.

Moving less.

Most people end up walking and exercising less when it’s cold out. Unfortunately, that can be rough on your joints. “Movement is very good for maintaining healthy joints, and being too sedentary can contribute to pain and stiffness,” says Dr. Harvey.

Dr. Erickson agrees. Movement helps to increase the production and circulation of synovial fluid. “Motion is lotion,” he says. “The more you can move around, the better the joints will feel.”

How to get relief if your joints ache in cold weather

Staying active is key, according to Dr. Harvey. And, “while it seems obvious, trying to keep warm will help keep joints feeling better,” Dr. Zarin says. “This means making sure to wear adequate clothing, especially at the extremities such as your hands, feet, and head, where most of your body heat tends to be lost.”

When you’re indoors, Dr. Zarin recommends moving around, stretching, and massaging your joints. This can help to stimulate circulation and improve the lubricating effects of the synovial fluid, he says. “Applying warming packs can also help to loosen up the joints,” he adds.

It may seem unrelated, but staying well hydrated is crucial to joint health, too. “A bit of dehydration can affect the ability of the synovial fluid to lubricate the joints, which can make them feel stiff and achy,” Dr. Zarin says.

When to contact a doctor

It’s common to have joint aches and pains here and there. “But persistent joint pain or arthritis are not normal parts of aging,” Dr. Harvey says.

If you have pain or stiffness, especially in the morning, that lasts more than 30 minutes, it’s time to check in with a doctor, Dr. Harvey says. If your pain interferes with your daily life, it’s also worth getting checked out, he says.

But Dr. Erickson says it’s also important to check in with a physician if basic interventions like anti-inflammatories and heating pads aren’t working. “If you’re still stiff and uncomfortable, it’s a good idea to come in,” he says. “Sometimes physical therapy and a cortisone injection can help to get you to a better place.”

https://www.prevention.com/health/a74264254/cold-weather-aching-joints/

Scientists find that the body’s warmth sensor is secretly a pain switch

From technology.org

University of Warwick scientists have found that a sensor in our nerve endings that detects warm temperatures also plays a direct role in switching on chronic pain signals, a discovery that could lead to better treatments for conditions that affect millions of people. 

Image credit: University of Warwick

Chronic pain, including arthritis pain, affects over a third of UK adults. Current painkillers such as methotrexate and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) work by damping down the immune system, which is overproducing inflammatory agents to cause the pain, but their relief is often short-lived, incomplete, and can leave patients more vulnerable to infection.

Researchers at Warwick’s School of Life Sciences have found an alternative target for alleviating chronic pain – a channel called TRPM2. TRPM2 was previously known mainly as a ‘warmth sensor’ on sensory nerve endings, helping the body detect mild, non-painful, heat.

In the new work published in PNAS, the team discovered that TRPM2 has a second, more troubling job. They found that TRPM2 on sensory nerves is also a pain generator. Prostaglandin E2, a chemical released during inflammation, and autoantibodies, immune proteins produced by the body’s own immune cells, both act directly on TRPM2 to switch on pain signals in nerve cells.

“We found that TRPM2 works like a convergent pain switch, taking very different immune and inflammatory signals and converting them into the electrical impulses that the brain reads as pain,” said lead author, Dr Xuming Zhang, School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick. “These signals also switch TRPM2 on through completely unexpected routes, bypassing the cell’s usual signalling pathways entirely.”

As a demonstration of its role in pain, mouse models with TRPM2 removed from nerve cells showed pain caused by prostaglandin E2 and autoantibodies was completely prevented. Chronic arthritis pain and nerve injury pain were also substantially reduced, even though the underlying immune and inflammatory response carried on largely as normal. This suggests TRPM2 is a separate, direct route to pain, working alongside inflammation rather than being caused by it.

Most strikingly, blocking TRPM2 with a drug injected into the joint completely reversed arthritis pain in mice, and the relief lasted two days after a single dose, without dampening the joint inflammation itself.

Dr Zhang continued: “What surprised us most was how completely and how long TRPM2 blockade relieved chronic arthritis pain. That points to TRPM2 as a genuinely promising drug target for treating chronic pain more effectively than current options allow.”

The findings also raise an intriguing biological puzzle: how does a protein built to detect harmless warmth end up driving some of the body’s most stubborn pain? Dr Zhang’s team suggests different populations of TRPM2-carrying nerve cells may be responsible for each job, a question they hope to explore next.

The research was led by co-first authors Dr. Mujahid Alizada, Linda Varghese and Jinquan Yang and was funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC), the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and Versus Arthritis UK, and is published in PNAS, DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2532289123.

https://www.technology.org/2026/10/25/scientists-find-that-the-bodys-warmth-sensor-is-secretly-a-pain-switch/

Arthritis myths vs facts: Surgeon explains common misconceptions about symptoms, causes, treatment

From hindustantimes.com 

By Anukriti Srivastava

From joint cracking to exercise, a surgeon busts common arthritis myths that could mislead you about joint health

Many patients arrive believing that arthritis is an unavoidable part of ageing, that nothing can be done about it, or that surgery should always be the last resort. These myths can sometimes prevent people from seeking timely care. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Tushar Kohli, gold medallist, arthroscopy and joint replacement surgeon, senior consultant at Hari Ram Kohli Memorial Hospital, Dehradun, debunks common myths about exercise, pain, and joint health.

Myth 1: Arthritis only affects older people.

While the risk of osteoarthritis increases with age, it is not exclusively an age-related condition. Dr Tushar Kohli highlighted that previous injuries, obesity, genetics, repetitive stress and certain medical conditions can contribute to joint damage in younger people too.

Myth 2: Exercise will make arthritis worse.

The opposite can often be true. Appropriate, low-impact physical activity can strengthen the muscles supporting a joint, improve mobility, and help manage pain. The key is choosing exercises suited to the individual's condition, rather than avoiding movement altogether.

Myth 3: Joint pain is something you simply have to live with.

“Persistent pain should not be dismissed as a normal consequence of getting older,” highlighted Dr Kohli. Depending on its cause and severity, arthritis can often be managed through weight management, physiotherapy, medication, lifestyle changes and other non-surgical approaches.

Delaying treatment despite severe pain, stiffness, or declining mobility can affect independence and overall wellbeing. (Unsplash)

Myth 4: Knee or joint replacement means the end of an active lifestyle.

Modern joint replacement procedures have evolved significantly. For patients with advanced arthritis who have not found adequate relief through conservative treatments, knee or joint replacement can help restore mobility and improve quality of life. The goal is not simply to reduce pain, but to help patients return to meaningful everyday activities.

According to Dr Kohli, advances in surgery have also changed how we approach these procedures. Minimally invasive techniques can involve smaller incisions and reduced disruption to surrounding tissues in appropriately selected patients. Robotic-assisted technologies available at selected sites can further support surgeons in complex cases with significant deformities.

Myth 5: Surgery should always be avoided for as long as possible.

There is no universal timeline for surgery. Delaying treatment despite severe pain, stiffness, or declining mobility can affect independence and overall wellbeing. The right approach is an individualised one, based on symptoms, imaging, lifestyle and response to other treatments.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/arthritis-myths-vs-facts-surgeon-explains-common-misconceptions-about-symptoms-causes-treatment-101791617482361.html

Research Shows This Anti-Inflammatory Supplement Can Health Ease Joint Pain

From mindbodygreen.com

By Molly Knudsen, M.S., RDN

Joint pain is no joke. Whether it stems from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, another inflammatory condition, or overuse, persistent aches and stiffness can make any type of movement painful And it's incredibly common. More than 53 million U.S. adults had diagnosed arthritis in 2019–2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Among adults with arthritis, the median percentage reporting severe joint pain across U.S. states increased from 29.7% in 2015 to 32.8% in 2019.

With that many people looking for ways to manage joint discomfort, researchers have been exploring whether certain foods or supplements can help. One ingredient that's garnered particular interest is turmeric.

Can turmeric help with joint pain?

Turmeric is a spice best known for its vibrant golden colour, but it also contains compounds called curcuminoids (with curcumin being the most well-studied). Curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties, which may be one reason researchers are interested in its potential to ease joint pain and improve physical function.

And while turmeric has been used traditionally for centuries, there's now a growing body of human research investigating concentrated turmeric extracts and curcumin supplements for alleviating joint pain.

Research-backed benefits of turmeric for joint pain

The research is particularly promising for people with osteoarthritis, although studies have also investigated curcumin in rheumatoid arthritis. Here's what the science shows:

• A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 randomized controlled trials involving 1,810 adults with knee osteoarthritis found that turmeric extracts significantly reduced knee pain and improved physical function compared with placebo. The effects were similar to those seen with other over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Another 2021 systematic review looked at 10 randomized controlled trials of turmeric or curcumin extracts in people with knee osteoarthritis and found that all studies reported improvements in pain and physical function from baseline.2
• A 2023 meta-analysis of six studies involving 539 people with rheumatoid arthritis found that curcumin supplementation significantly improved several measures of disease activity, including tender and swollen joint counts, as well as markers of inflammation such as C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
• In a small 2025 randomized controlled trial, 27 adults over 50 with hand osteoarthritis took either 170 milligrams of curcumin daily or a placebo for three months. The curcumin group had significant improvements in pain at rest and during activity, as well as hand-related function, although the small sample size means the findings need to be confirmed in larger studies.
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• Overall, the evidence points toward turmeric and curcumin as promising options for managing joint pain, particularly pain associated with osteoarthritis. That said, studies have used different extracts, formulations, doses, and treatment durations, so there's still no one-size-fits-all approach.
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• How to supplement with turmeric
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With that said, how do you correctly supplement with turmeric? Getting the potential benefits of curcumin isn't just about the amount you take. Bioavailability, or how well your body absorbs and uses curcumin is important. Curcumin is notoriously difficult for the body to absorb on its own. That's why many turmeric supplements use specific formulations or ingredients designed to increase its bioavailability.

One of the best-known strategies is pairing curcumin with piperine, a compound found in black pepper. In fact, adding piperine can increase curcumin's bioavailability by 2,000%.

As for dosage, there's no single amount that's been established as optimal. Research on joint pain has used a wide range of turmeric and curcumin preparations. So rather than assuming more is better (because high doses of turmeric and curcumin can be quite hard on the liver), look for a product that clearly states its curcuminoid content and uses a formulation designed for absorption.

Most research supports 500 to 1,000 milligrams of turmeric extract daily. Choosing the right one can be confusing, so we did the homework for you. These are our top 14 expert-vetted picks. 

The takeaway

If you're dealing with joint pain, turmeric may be worth discussing with your health care provider. Research suggests concentrated turmeric and curcumin extracts may help reduce pain and improve physical function, particularly in people with osteoarthritis.

Just remember that turmeric supplements aren't interchangeable. The dose, curcumin content, formulation, and bioavailability can all vary. And while the research is encouraging, turmeric should complement (not replace) evidence-based treatment for an underlying joint condition.

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/this-anti-inflammatory-supplement-can-support-your-pesky-joint-stiffness 

Nearly 10,000 patients reveal what works best for knee arthritis pain relief

From sciencedaily.com

A major analysis of 139 clinical trials involving nearly 10,000 people suggests that some of the simplest treatments may work best for knee osteoarthritis. Knee braces ranked highest overall for reducing pain, stiffness, and mobility problems, while water-based therapy was especially effective for pain and regular exercise consistently improved both pain and physical function. More high-tech approaches, including ultrasound, generally performed worse.

Knee braces, water therapy, and exercise may be among the most effective drug-free options for people with knee osteoarthritis, according to a large analysis published in the open-access journal PLOS One. The research was led by Yuan Luo of the First People's Hospital of Neijiang, China.

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a widespread joint condition that affects millions of older adults. It can cause persistent pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the knee, sometimes making everyday activities much harder.

Many patients are treated with anti-inflammatory medications, but these drugs can carry gastrointestinal and cardiovascular risks. That has increased interest in treatments that can relieve symptoms without relying on medication.

An analysis of 139 clinical trials found that knee braces, water-based therapy, and exercise were among the most effective drug-free treatments for knee osteoarthritis. Knee braces ranked particularly well, while ultrasound was consistently one of the least effective options. Credit: Shutterstock

Researchers Compare 12 Knee Osteoarthritis Treatments

To determine which non-drug therapies appear to work best, the researchers analysed evidence from 139 clinical trials involving nearly 10,000 people.

The studies evaluated 12 different approaches, including laser therapy, electrical stimulation, knee braces, insoles, kinesiology tape, water-based therapy, exercise, and ultrasound.

Rather than examining each treatment separately, the team used a network meta-analysis. This method allows researchers to compare multiple therapies across many different trials and estimate how each one performs relative to the others.

Knee Braces Perform Particularly Well

Knee braces ranked highly across several important measures. They were associated with reductions in pain and stiffness as well as improvements in physical function.

Hydrotherapy, which involves exercises or treatments performed in warm water, was especially effective for reducing pain. Regular exercise also produced consistent benefits, helping improve both pain and physical function.

Some more technologically advanced treatments also showed promise. High-intensity laser therapy and shock wave therapy produced benefits in certain areas.

Ultrasound, however, repeatedly ranked near the bottom of the treatment comparisons.

Simple Treatments May Have an Advantage

The findings suggest that relatively simple and accessible therapies may be among the strongest options for managing knee osteoarthritis without medication.

The researchers caution that the rankings are not definitive. The 139 studies differed in how they were designed; some involved relatively small groups of participants, and treatment durations varied considerably. Those differences can make it harder to precisely determine which therapy is truly best.

Even with those limitations, the authors concluded that physical therapies appear promising for KOA and could provide useful alternatives to anti-inflammatory medications.

Future research will need to investigate whether combining treatments produces even better results. Researchers also want to determine which approaches provide the greatest benefits relative to their cost.

The authors add: "Knee braces, hydrotherapy, and exercise are the most effective non-drug therapies for knee osteoarthritis. They reduce pain and improve mobility without the gastrointestinal or cardiovascular risks linked to common pain medications. Patients and clinicians should prioritize these evidence-based options."

"Our analysis of nearly 10,000 patients reveals that simple, accessible therapies like knee bracing and water-based exercise outperform high-tech options like ultrasound. This could reshape clinical guidelines to focus on safer, lower-cost interventions."

Journal Reference:

1. Xiao Chen, Yuanhe Fan, Hongliang Tu, Yuan Luo. Clinical efficacy of different therapeutic options for knee osteoarthritis: A network meta-analysis based on randomized clinical trials. PLOS One, 2025; 20 (6): e0324864 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0324864

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/09/260913082208.htm

The #1 Vegetable to Help Manage Arthritis Pain, According to Experts

From health.yahoo.com

Here’s why experts think this vegetable is a must for managing arthritis pain

Key Points

• Broccoli is rich in vitamin C for collagen production and reducing inflammation in joints.

• Sulforaphane may help reduce joint inflammation and protect against cartilage breakdown.

• Broccoli's fibre supports gut health, which is linked to inflammation and joint health.

From troublesome joint pain to stiffness and swelling, arthritis can be incredibly uncomfortable. It's also extremely common, affecting about 30% of adults aged 50 to 64, and more than half of adults over the age of 75.

Medication, physical therapy and staying active are all key to managing arthritis. But there's another important piece of the puzzle that's often overlooked—diet. Among the many foods that may help with arthritis symptoms, broccoli stands out, especially among vegetables. Packed with antioxidants, essential nutrients and a powerful compound called sulforaphane, broccoli is a solid choice if you're dealing with pain, inflammation and other arthritis symptoms. "Including broccoli as part of your regular eating pattern may help support long-term anti-inflammatory benefits," says Diane Han, M.P.H., RD.

Curious what it is about broccoli that makes it a good option for those dealing with arthritis? Here's what registered dietitians and a rheumatologist have to say.

Credit:   Photographer: Jen Causey. EatingWell design

Chock-Full of Vitamin C

Broccoli is loaded with vitamin C. "Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect your cells from damage, reduce inflammation and support the production of collagen, which is essential for healthy joints and connective tissues," says Maxine Yeung, RD. Just 1 cup of raw broccoli provides nearly 70 milligrams of vitamin C, meeting approximately 75% of the daily needs for adult men and about 100% of the recommended daily amount for women. 

Loaded with Vitamin K

Broccoli is rich in vitamin K, an essential nutrient that's important for bone health. It also has antioxidant properties, which help protect against inflammation and other damage from free radicals. "Vitamin K supports bone health and is linked to reducing inflammatory markers in the blood," Yeung says. Research has found a potential connection between higher vitamin K intake and a lower risk of developing osteoarthritis. Vitamin K may help slow the progression of the disease in those who already have the condition.

Offers Sulforaphane

Broccoli is rich in a compound called sulforaphane that may help reduce joint inflammation and protect against cartilage breakdown, says rheumatologist Swati Medhekar, M.D.: "There is also some research showing that broccoli could prevent or slow the development of rheumatoid arthritis."  Beyond broccoli, you'll also find sulforaphane in other cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower and cabbage.

A Source of Fibre

Broccoli is rich in fibre, which directly supports gut health and indirectly helps with joint health. "Gut health and joint health are interconnected through what we call the gut-joint axis," Medhekar says. "An imbalance in the gut microbiome can lead to inflammation affecting joint health." Among many benefits, fibre supports gut health by feeding the good gut bacteria that help reduce inflammation. In a recent study, researchers identified a link between poor gut health and increased rheumatoid arthritis severity.

"Diets that are higher in fibre, especially those with at least 19 grams a day, have been linked to lower levels of inflammation and a reduced risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis," Yeung says. For every cup of broccoli you eat, you'll get about 2 grams of fibre.

4 Ways to Enjoy Broccoli

Believe it or not, broccoli is an incredibly versatile vegetable and can take on many forms. The possibilities are endless; here are some of our favourite ways to cook up this healthy veg.

• Sauté it up for an easy side dish: If you still like a little bite to your broccoli, but you don't want it raw, sautéing is a great in-between that maximizes both flavour and texture.

• Roast it: Roasting broccoli can take away the bitterness that sometimes accompanies raw broccoli, and as a bonus, you get the delicious charred bits on the florets.

• Turn it into pesto: Try a new twist on classic pesto and add broccoli to your basic pesto recipe.

• Toss it in a sandwich: Level up your standard grilled cheese by adding some crisp broccoli into the mix.

Other Strategies to Manage Arthritis Symptoms

A healthy diet with lots of anti-inflammatory foods, like broccoli, is one way to help manage arthritis symptoms. Here are other ways to support reducing inflammation.

• Get moving: Regular, low-impact physical activity can reduce pain and improve physical function for people with arthritis. It also helps keep your joints and muscles strong. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week.

• Maintain a healthy weight. Research shows that maintaining a healthy weight can slow the progression of arthritis symptoms. "While diet alone won't resolve arthritis symptoms, making dietary changes, like cutting back on saturated fats and added sugars and eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and unsaturated fats, can be an important part of your overall management plan," Yeung says.

• Support your gut health. Eating lots of nutrient-rich whole foods supports a healthy gut, "allowing the body to better absorb and utilize nutrients that promote bone and joint health," Han says. 

• Eat more ginger and turmeric. "Ginger and turmeric both have anti-inflammatory properties and hence help reduce pain and inflammation in arthritis patients," Medhekar says. "Turmeric is especially helpful since it contains curcumin, which has very potent anti-inflammatory properties."

• Take your prescribed medication. "It is important to eat healthy to help with your joint health but also important to take your prescribed medications for your arthritis," Medhekar says.

Our Expert Take 

If you're looking to revamp your diet to be more arthritis-friendly, incorporating broccoli is a great choice. This powerhouse vegetable provides vitamins C and K, which support collagen production and have antioxidant properties, helping protect against inflammation. Meanwhile, the fibre in broccoli helps support a healthy gut microbiome, which has anti-inflammatory benefits and may even lower arthritis severity. Finally, broccoli is an amazing source of sulforaphane, a compound found in many cruciferous vegetables that has been linked with reduced cartilage breakdown and inflammation, among other benefits. 

Broccoli is surprisingly versatile, giving you endless options to add more to your meals. Consider roasting it, transforming it into pesto, grilling up a cheesy broccoli melt or sautéing it for an easy side dish.

https://tinyurl.com/yvej2a33