Joint Pain in the Summer

Summer is just around the corner and with it comes longer and warmer days. While the weather and summer activities make this time of year enjoyable, it’s not always fun on your joints. Many people are familiar with the fact that temperature affects your joints, though it’s commonly believed that only cold weather affects them. However, even the heat can cause problems for joints.

Humidity

If you’ve ever heard someone mention that they feel a storm coming, that person probably had arthritic joints. Joints tend to swell and cause pain in the joints when there is a rise in humidity. Studies have shown that there is a link between the barometric pressure and muscles and tissues in the body. So, it’s not just crazy talk. People can truly “feel it in their bones” when a storm is on the way. Even if you live in an area with low humidity, you might still experience the sensation of joint pain.

Chronic Pain

If your joints continue to ache during the summer, it may be due to chronic pain. It doesn’t matter what temperature it is outside if the weather is shifting a lot due to summer storms and rise and fall in temperatures, your body is going to have a tough time adjusting. This fluctuation in the body can flare up chronic joint pain which can be quite uncomfortable.  

Treating Joint Pain in Warm Weather

People with arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and fibromyalgia all feel symptoms of pain during periods of warm weather and humidity, but luckily, there is a way to treat and avoid it.

Drink plenty of water

This tip is essential for a pain-free day, plus, dehydration can lead to other problems. Drinking water will help cool your body temperature and keep you hydrated.

Shade

Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors. Going to the beach, hiking, and tanning are all ways many people like to spend their time. However, basking in the sun may not be a good idea for you. Be sure that if you go outside you wear a hat or bring an umbrella, and that you go inside when you need to.

Clothing

Tight clothes may be a tempting fashion choice, but you’ll regret it as soon as you step outside. In the summer it’s wise to wear loose-fitting clothing to allow your skin room to breathe and keep you from getting too hot.

Diet

While a nice, cold double-scoop of ice cream sounds delightful on a hot day, you may want to refrain. Foods high in dairy produce “phlegm in the joints that worsen during humidity.”

Rest

With any type of pain, it’s wise to rest and allow your body the time it needs to recharge and heal. If you are feeling chronic pain or a flare in joint pain, take a nap, meditate, or take a warm bath. Do whatever you need to do to feel relaxed.  

Go for a Swim

Swimming is a favorite summer past-time and great exercise. Taking a swim on a hot day can help cool your body’s temperature, relieving you from joint pain, and help to give you a low-impact cardio workout.

Don’t let your joint pain keep you from enjoying your summer. If you continue to experience pain, visit Summit Orthopaedics to talk to a doctor about your symptoms.