When I was a young boy, there was an old wives tale that certain people could forecast the weather based on how their joints felt. Achy joints meant get out your umbrella.
Like many old wives tales, this one turned out to be true. Individuals with certain conditions, especially arthritis, can often sense changes in weather conditions based on how their joints behave.
Your joints can actually act like mini-barometers, sensing a storm or other inclement weather on the horizon. Joints can swell and their linings become inflamed resulting in a stretch of the joint capsule and resultant discomfort and pain. Even scientific studies have proved this correct. According to AccuWeather, surveys have shown that 93% of arthritis sufferers believe that weather affects their pain level, and 68% are severely affected.
AccuWeather actually has even developed an "Arthritis Index" that can warn joint pain sufferers about certain types of weather changes that are most likely to flare-up their achy joints.
The most common weather changes associated with increased joint pain and swelling include:
- Changes in atmospheric (barometric) pressure, especially falling pressure
- Changes in temperature, especially lowering temperature -- colder weather
- High or increasing humidity
- Low atmospheric (barometric) pressure
- Rain and/or precipitation
It is no wonder that many individuals with joint pain and arthritis flock to Arizona and its dry warm climate.
Have you noticed that you are able to forecast the weather? Do your friends call you to find out whether they should take an umbrella? Learn more about joint pain and weather forecasting at AccuWeather.com.
