Autumn is approaching, not a good time for people with joint pain. Because with the onset of the cold season, many affected individuals experience worsening pain in their joints.
Joint pain often occurs in the knee and hip joints, but elbows and fingers are also common pain points. Many affected individuals report that their joint pain intensifies in autumn, and this is not just in their imagination! If wear and tear is already present in one or more joints, the discomfort often worsens in damp and cold weather.
There are many possible factors behind this phenomenon. The connection between pain intensity and sudden weather changes from high to low pressure areas, which are usually accompanied by decreasing air pressure, falling air temperature, and increasing humidity, is scientifically proven. However, why moisture and cold specifically affect the joints has not yet been scientifically answered. It is suspected that weather changes can irritate pain receptors on one hand, and inflamed joints can swell with decreasing air pressure on the other.
While weather influences are not a cause of diseases, they do attack the body at already weakened points. Additionally, some people may feel psychologically unwell during the gray season due to the lack of light, which can also manifest physically.
Many people also tend to fall 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. This should at least be avoided on a physical level! It is important to keep the muscles active. This ensures good blood circulation and nutrient exchange, even in the joints. Joints that are not sufficiently moved suffer from a lack of nutrients. Waste products are also not adequately removed. Swimming and water aerobics are gentle sports that can be very well practiced even in the cold season. Regular walks can also be particularly beneficial in autumn and winter.
