Why Your Joints Hurt When It Rains — and What You Can Do About It
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If you’ve ever said, “I can feel it in my knees — a storm’s coming,” you’re not alone. Many people living with arthritis or old injuries notice that their joint pain seems to flare up when it rains or when the weather turns damp. But is there science behind this common claim?
To help uncover the truth about why joints hurt when it rains, we spoke with Zakary Knutson, MD, orthopedic surgeon with Ortho Central, who shared how weather patterns — especially barometric pressure changes — can impact the way joints feel and function.
Is There Any Truth to Weather-Related Joint Pain?
According to Dr. Knutson, there may be more science than myth to the idea that weather affects joint pain.
“Many of our patients notice their arthritis pain gets worse before a rainstorm,” Dr. Knutson explains. “That’s often due to changes in barometric pressure — the weight of the air around us — which can subtly affect how tissues in the body expand or contract.”
When barometric pressure drops, as it often does before a storm, tissues surrounding the joints may expand slightly, leading to increased pressure within the joint capsule. For those with arthritis, prior injuries, or joint replacements, that added pressure can cause pain or stiffness.
What Causes Joint Stiffness When the Weather Changes?
Temperature and humidity also play a role. Cold or damp conditions can cause muscles and ligaments to tighten, reducing mobility and making joints feel stiff.
“Cold and damp air can make the joint tissues less elastic,” says Dr. Knutson. “That stiffness can be especially noticeable in the morning or after sitting still for a while.”
While the exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, a combination of pressure changes, fluid retention, and reduced circulation likely contributes to rainy-day aches.
Who Is Most Prone to Rain-Related Joint Pain?
Anyone can experience joint stiffness during seasonal weather changes, but certain groups are more sensitive.
People with the conditions below may experience elevated symptoms:
- Arthritis or osteoarthritis
- Old sports injuries or fractures
- Joint replacements or prior surgeries
“Even with advanced joint replacements, patients sometimes feel mild discomfort when the weather shifts,” Dr. Knutson notes. “The implant isn’t affected — it’s the surrounding muscles, ligaments, or nerves that respond to pressure changes.”
How Orthopedic Care Can Help
Orthopedic specialists can evaluate recurring or weather-related pain to determine whether it stems from arthritis, injury, or another underlying issue. Treatment may include:
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Physical therapy and stretching
- Injections for pain relief
- Lifestyle adjustments to support long-term joint health
“If you’re having consistent joint pain every time the weather changes, that’s worth discussing with your provider,” says Dr. Knutson. “We can usually help improve flexibility and decrease inflammation so those barometric changes don’t hit as hard.”
At-Home Tips to Ease Rainy-Day Stiffness
While you can’t stop the rain, you can prepare your joints for it. Try these at-home strategies to stay limber and comfortable:
- Keep moving: Gentle exercise, like yoga or swimming, helps lubricate joints and maintain strength.
- Warm up: Use heating pads or warm showers to loosen stiff joints on cooler days.
- Stay hydrated: Proper hydration supports joint cushioning and elasticity.
- Stretch daily: Focus on range-of-motion stretches for knees, hips, shoulders, and hands.
- Track your symptoms: Noting when pain increases can help you and your provider spot weather-related patterns.
Weatherproof Your Joints with Expert Care
You don’t have to dread every change in the forecast. With the right orthopedic care and preventive habits, you can minimize pain and keep moving comfortably — rain or shine.
To schedule an appointment with an orthopedic specialist at Ortho Central, call 405-360-6764.
