Autumn is approaching, not a good time for people with joint pain. Because with the start of the cold season, many sufferers experience worsening pain in their joints.
Joint pain often occurs in the knee and hip joints, but elbows and fingers are also common pain sites. Many affected individuals report that their joint pain intensifies in autumn, and this is not just imagination! If wear and tear are already present in one or more joints, the symptoms often worsen in damp and cold weather.
Many possible factors underlie this phenomenon. Scientifically proven is the connection between pain intensity and sudden weather changes from high to low pressure systems, which usually come with falling air pressure, decreasing air temperature, and rising humidity. Why moisture and cold specifically affect the joints has not yet been scientifically answered. It is suspected that weather changes on the one hand irritate pain receptors, and on the other hand, inflamed joints can swell with decreasing air pressure.
Although weather conditions are not a cause of diseases, they do attack already weakened areas of the body. Additionally, some people feel psychologically uncomfortable during the gray season due to lack of light, which can also manifest physically.
Many people also tend to slip into a protective mode during the cold and dark season. Autumn is often associated with a time of letting go and winding down. A time of rest and retreat. At least on a physical level, this should be avoided! It is important to keep the muscles active. This ensures good blood circulation and nutrient exchange, even in the joints. Joints that are not moved enough suffer from a lack of nutrients. Waste products are also not adequately removed. Swimming and water gymnastics are gentle sports that can be practiced very well even in the cold season. Regular walks can also be especially beneficial in autumn and winter.
