Cold weather and joint pain: What is the connection?

Medical News Today

4 days ago

Effects
Who it affects
Managing pain
Contacting a doctor
FAQ
Summary
Cold weather may worsen joint pain in some people, such as those with arthritis or orthopedic implants. Keeping warm by dressing appropriately for the weather and using draft excluders at home may help.
Many people with health conditions such as arthritis report worsening joint pain when temperatures drop. Some research supports this, but more studies may be necessary for scientists to understand exactly why this happens and how common it is.
Taking steps to stay warm may help reduce joint pain during cold weather. However, if someone experiences severe or persistent pain that interferes with their daily life, it is a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional. CatherineHistorically, most evidence of a link between cold weather and joint pain was anecdotal. However, in recent years, more researchers are investigating a cause-and-effect link.
A 2025 review suggests that low temperatures may affect: compliance of the periarticular structures, which are tissues around a joint
viscosity (resistance to flow) of synovial fluid, which is in joint cavities
the ability of substances to pass through blood vessels, which may affect inflammation
blood vessel constriction
These effects may lead to increased joint pain and stiffness during cold weather.
A 2023 systematic review of 14 studies suggests a correlation between increased osteoarthritis joint pain and lower temperatures, as well as increased atmospheric pressure and relative humidity.
A potential cause for this is an overexpression of thermosensitive transient receptor potential channels (thermo-TRPs) in cold weather. Thermo-TRPs are a type of protein structure in cells involved in functions such as body temperature regulation and pain perception.
However, the researchers conclude that more research is necessary to fully understand the links between osteoarthritis pain and weather conditions, including temperature.
According to the 2025 review, cold weather may affect how people use care resources for health conditions such as arthritis.
For example, lower temperatures may make people less likely to use physical therapy, which could contribute to increases in their symptoms.
The Arthritis Foundation also suggests that cold weather may contribute to lower moods, which may cause people to focus more on their pain.
More research is necessary to understand exactly how cold weather affects joint pain and other factors that may contribute.
Not everyone will experience joint pain when it gets colder. However, certain health conditions may increase a person's chance.
Pain is subjective and varies from person to person, even among people with the same health conditions. Mild pain for one person may feel severe for another. So, there is no guarantee everyone with arthritis will have painful joints when it gets colder.
A 2020 study also suggests a link between cold weather and increased pain in people with orthopedic implants, such as joint replacements.
If someone tends to experience worsening joint pain in colder temperatures, it can help to monitor weather forecasts to anticipate weather changes before they happen and take steps to prepare.
Keeping warm may help reduce joint pain due to cold weather. People can try the following steps: wear warm clothes, such as gloves and multiple layers
choose clothes made from insulating materials, such as wool
use hot water bottles or portable hand warmers
use heat pads or heated blankets at home
place draft excluders or door sweeps on doors at home
eat a hot meal or drink a warm drink
move around to boost circulation
If someone has a health condition that affects their joints, sticking to their treatment plan even during cold weather can help prevent worsening joint pain.
A person's symptoms may differ depending on factors such as underlying health conditions, current treatments, and more.
If someone does not have a diagnosed health condition but starts experiencing persistent or frequent joint pain, a doctor can diagnose the underlying cause.
People with a health condition, such as arthritis, may benefit from speaking with a healthcare professional if they experience a severe flare-up or worsening symptoms.
Their healthcare team may wish to change their current treatment plan to help them manage their symptoms.
Although warmer temperatures may improve joint pain for some people, other weather factors, such as humidity and barometric pressure, can also affect joint pain. Treatment compliance and other factors may also contribute.
The Arthritis Foundation suggests there is no guarantee a warmer climate will help. However, people can visit a new climate at different times throughout the year before committing to moving to see if their symptoms improve.
No scientific studies support an 'ideal' temperature to reduce joint pain. The most comfortable temperature to relieve joint pain may vary from person to person.
People can use a symptom journal to help work out what temperatures seem to relieve their joint pain and what temperatures worsen it.
No scientific research supports using copper or magnetic bracelets to relieve joint pain during cold weather. However, the Arthritis Foundation suggests there is no harm in trying this remedy alongside a doctor-approved treatment plan.
Some people may find that their symptoms improve due to the placebo effect.
Cold weather may trigger or worsen joint pain in certain people, such as those with arthritis or joint replacements.
Low temperatures may affect the fluid and tissues in and around joints, causing pain and stiffness. People may also focus on symptoms more and be less likely to follow treatment plans in cold weather.
Taking steps to keep warm may help relieve joint pain that worsens in cold weather. This may include wearing multiple layers, using hand warmers or heat pads, and fitting draft excluders at home. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.