Dear Sandra,
Why do some people’s joints hurt when the weather changes?
Achy in Ontario
Dear Achy,
It always amazed me as a young child that my grandmother knew just when it was going to rain. If I wanted to go for a bike ride on a sunny day she would holler after me to take a jacket. Sure enough dark clouds would roll in a few hours later and I’d end up riding home through a torrent of rain.
Now my mom hounds my kids to carry jackets with them. Is it coincidental that both of these ladies have arthritis?
Unfortunately science does not have a definite answer to whether there is a connection between arthritis pain and weather conditions. But, cold and damp weather does cause muscles to tighten which puts a strain on mobility and lowers the pain threshold. Warmth, on the other hand, as evidenced by anyone who has soaked in a steaming hot bath, relaxes muscle tensions and eases pain, hence why arthritis suffers may feel better on a warm sunny day.
Just one more reason to get outside and enjoy the sun – with sunscreen and a hat of course!
Sandra
I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! TELL ME YOUR TROUBLES. YOUR CONFIDENTIALITY IS ASSURED.
This column is for entertainment only. Sandra is not a professional counsellor, but is an AU student who would like to give personal advice about school and life to her peers. Please forward your questions to Sandra care of smoore@ausu.org
