Why do my joints hurt when the weather changes?
General weakness and pain in the joints when the weather changes can manifest themselves as a consequence of various diseases. The most common reasons:
- Osteochondrosis
- Arthritis
- Arthrosis
- Radiculitis
- Gout
- Intervertebral hernia
- Disc protrusion
Also, weather dependence can manifest itself against the background of various diseases of the cardiovascular system and spine.
Pain in the legs and general weakness are a sign of pathology in the lower extremities. This may be the beginning of varicose veins or the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, which tend to bother heavy smokers.
The causes of weakness and pain in the limbs when the weather changes can be more global. Patients with these symptoms are often diagnosed with anemia, type 2 diabetes, kidney failure, and other diseases.
Of course, pain can be eliminated with the help of well-chosen medications. But, as a rule, they will have a short-term effect and the pain will return again and again. In addition, aching bones when the weather changes is an insidious symptom, indicating the need to treat the original source of the disease.
Autumn, rains... joint pain. How to avoid them
So summer is over, there is a gloomy autumn sky ahead, heavy rains, cold puddles and... nagging pain in the joints. Yes, such that you can’t immediately fall asleep at night; finding a comfortable position is extremely difficult. And here it’s not far from melancholy and apathy.
Aching pain in the joints is familiar to many, is it worth tolerating it and treating it with folk remedies or is it necessary to see a doctor? Our expert, orthopedic surgeon, rheumatologist Igor Kitaev, tells the story.
– Is it worth enduring regular joint pain?
- Of course not. If, despite systematic treatment of the joints, seasonal pain occurs in them, then it is necessary to seek help from official medicine and undergo the necessary examination. Only by finding out the reasons for the reaction of joints to weather conditions can pain be effectively eliminated. First, you need to make an appointment with an orthopedic doctor or arthrologist, who will prescribe an examination - blood tests, x-rays, or better yet, MRI of the joints, which will help clarify the diagnosis and evaluate changes in the cartilage of the joints.
– Elderly people often suffer from joint pain, they say that at that age your legs should hurt. Is it correct?
– It is no secret that many people with joint pain endure these pains and adapt to them until critical and intolerable conditions occur. It is extremely wrong to do this, because joint pain is a sign of the onset of a progressive disease; at first, the pain, starting as small and rare, will eventually become strong and constant, chronic, which will be much more difficult to cope with. In addition, an incorrect attitude towards joint pain can provoke heart attacks, hypertension, increased blood glucose levels and other complications or exacerbations of existing obvious or hidden problems in older people. Repeated inflammatory processes in the joints lead to an increasing deficiency of cartilage tissue and deformation of the limbs. To prevent this from happening, you need to consult a specialist as early as possible, get diagnosed and start treatment.
– Igor, is it possible to use advertised remedies for joint pain without visiting a doctor?
– If you do not have the opportunity to see a doctor in the near future due to exacerbation, the appearance of joint pain, of course, you can use some common method, the existence of which is regularly reminded in various types of advertising. But at the same time, it is necessary to take into account that any treatment has contraindications, the presence of which you may not suspect: for example, the use of ointment can cause local allergies or even dermatitis, taking pills can provoke the formation of erosions and ulcers in the stomach, duodenum, home physiotherapy - aggravate hypertension or cardiac pathology.
– Are folk remedies effective for joint pain? If the pain subsides with folk remedies, is it possible to continue using them?
– The use of folk remedies in the treatment of joint pain seems, at first glance, to be the safest, and sometimes the most realistic way, since it does not require a trip to the doctor or pharmacy and there are often examples of good results among friends, relatives, and neighbors. Indeed, there are recipes that have a positive effect. But it is important to understand that treatment with folk remedies can only provide a temporary anti-inflammatory effect through its effect on superficial tissues and skin receptors if it “hits the target.” But there are no traditional methods of treatment that deeply affect the structurally altered tissues of the joints. And also, obviously aggressive substances (turpentine, spit, acids, alkalis, etc.) should not be used in such prescription preparations, so as not to get skin burns during rubbing or irritation of the stomach and internal organs when using infusions internally. Even if an improvement in well-being is achieved - a reduction or cessation of pain, it is impossible to remain without diagnosing the cause of the pain, since the next episode of increased pain may be more severe and complicated by consequences.
– What effective methods of treatment and pain relief are available?
– A disease is easier to prevent than to treat. Therefore, if there is a predisposition to seasonal exacerbation of joint pain, preventive measures are an important factor: do not overcool in wet weather, do not get your feet wet, wear clothes made from natural fabrics. If the pain does occur, then in any case you will have to seek medical help, and here it is important to be aware of the effective available treatments for joint pain. Most patients are aware of the use of pain medications, hormones, and surgery as a last resort. But there are also still methods that help preserve joints and make them more mobile, but are not included in the range of free medical services and therefore are not very popularized by doctors in municipal institutions.
– For example?
– These include moisturizing and improving its lubrication by injecting hyaluronic acid into the joint; the use of shock wave therapy, which, when performed by a competent doctor using a good device, can provide significant improvement after the first procedure. Another effective treatment method is nuclear magnetic resonance therapy (MBST), which has become one of the most popular in Europe and is called a breakthrough in global orthopedics. To achieve results, you only need to undergo about seven sessions to activate the process of restoration of articular tissues - cartilage, ligaments, tendons and bone tissue. Preventive use of 3-5 therapy sessions will allow you to survive the rainy season painlessly and comfortably.
What to do if your bones ache when the weather changes
Aching bones and pain with different localization during weather changes should under no circumstances be ignored and just try to endure. As a rule, this is a symptom of pathological changes in tissues, joints and organs. And, if the disease is not detected at an early stage, when it has not yet become chronic, then problems with treatment may arise in the future, or even the impossibility of restoring health.
If you find yourself weather dependent, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
You can start the examination with a visit to a therapist, who will prescribe the necessary tests and consultations with other specialists, in particular:
- Rheumatologist
- Cardiologist
- Vascular surgeon
- Traumatologist
Is it worth moving?
The condition of the joints may depend on the place of residence. Based on the established facts, one could conclude that people suffering from arthritis should change their place of residence to an area characterized by the most stable weather conditions .
However, there can be no clear answer to such questions. Recent scientific studies have shown that residents of warm San Diego report significantly more complaints about the appearance of pain during weather changes than from people living in cities with high humidity, such as Nashville or Boston.
Dr. Bolash, commenting on this situation, states : “Chronic pain can occur regardless of the area of residence. Humidity and pressure change anywhere on the planet and it’s impossible to escape from them.”
Types of meteorological reactions
The mechanism of interaction of the body with the external environment and meteotropic reactions is essentially similar to the reactions of adaptation and stress.
Depending on the speed of reaction to weather factors, meteotropic reactions are divided into:
Posledovaya
A meteotropic reaction occurs and/or continues after the action of a meteorological factor.
Signal
The meteotropic reaction occurs before a visible change in weather conditions.
Typical
A meteotropic reaction occurs during a period of changing weather conditions.
Historical aspects
Since ancient times, people have noted the influence of weather on well-being; Paracelsus, Hippocrates and other healers mentioned this in their treatises. Hippocrates, considered the father of modern medicine, wrote in Corpus Hippocraticum:
Man must be considered as one with his surroundings;
we need to study the seasons, their changes and transitions between them, as well as their effect on the human body. Hippocrates
Hippocrates pointed out the dependence of human health on climate and weather, warning healers:
Be especially careful when the weather changes, during this period avoid bloodletting, cauterization and do not take up a scalpel
Hippocrates
How the body reacts to the weather
Meteosensitivity is manifested by various types of meteotropic reactions.
A connection has been established between the occurrence and/or exacerbation of a number of pathological conditions (angina pectoris, hypertensive crises, myocardial and cerebral infarction, bronchial asthma, diabetes mellitus, mental disorders, etc.) and changes in weather factors.
According to medical statistics, in different countries, about a third of men and almost half of women have increased sensitivity to changes in weather conditions. Women suffer more often than men, in which hormonal levels play an important role. Office workers who are susceptible to stress and overwork suffer from weather fluctuations, and those who lead a sedentary lifestyle are also at increased risk.
City residents are more likely to react to changes in weather factors, especially in autumn and spring, when changes in temperature and atmospheric pressure are most pronounced.
Treatment and prevention of weather dependence
Prevention of conditions associated with exposure to weather factors (meteosensitivity) is based on maintaining a healthy lifestyle (proper nutrition, adherence to sleep and rest, moderate physical activity, etc.).
To correct weather-sensitive conditions, adaptogens and symptomatic therapy (sedatives, antispasmodics, painkillers) are most often used, which have an effect on reducing the body’s negative reaction to changing weather.
Prevention of weather sensitivity
There are many recommendations to help ease weather dependence. Methods aimed at correcting weather-dependent conditions can be divided into prevention and treatment.
Diet
It is recommended to reduce the consumption of fatty, fried and meat foods. Preference is given to dairy and plant foods. Increase your consumption of vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins. Limit salt intake and adhere to optimal drinking regimen.
Maintain a sleep culture
Sleep at least 7-8 hours a day. Avoid night shifts and nocturnal lifestyle. Good sleep is especially important on the eve of weather changes.
Hiking
Spending time outdoors helps the body better adapt to weather fluctuations.
Water treatments
A contrast shower is recommended. Foot baths before bed.
Bad habits
Stop smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages. In large quantities, tea and coffee can lead to a deterioration in general condition.
Drug therapy
To correct weather-dependent conditions, various groups of drugs are used (some require medical prescription):
- adaptogens
- sleeping pills
- sedatives
- painkillers
- drugs that improve brain function and blood circulation
To a large extent, the body's adaptive capabilities depend on the level of melatonin in the blood. If melatonin is present in sufficient quantities, the body becomes more resistant to stress, including those associated with changing weather.
Reducing the unpleasant symptoms of meteosensitivity can be helped by medications containing small doses of melatonin, which adapt the body of meteosensitive people to changes in weather conditions.
For optimal correction of weather-sensitive conditions, including cases of taking melatonin in combination with other drugs, consultation with a doctor is necessary.
Meteoprotective properties of melatonin
- adaptive action;
- reduction of stress reactions;
- adaptation of the body of weather-sensitive people to changes in weather conditions;
- immunostimulating and antioxidant properties
- increasing the concentration of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which promotes relaxation and calm, improving mood.
On the Russian pharmaceutical market there is the drug Melarena (melatonin in a dosage of 0.3 mg), which has an indication for use - meteosensitivity. Course intake (6-8 weeks).
What else to read on this topic
- Bogomolova A. Living barometer, how to cope with weather dependence. Phytodoctor. 2021. -№ 3 (46), - pp. 6-7. Vasendin, D.V. Medical and biological effects of melatonin: some results and prospects for study. Bulletin of the Russian Military Medical Academy. 2021(3):pp.171-178.
- The influence of weather factors on the tone of the autonomic nervous system and some integrative indicators of adaptation of the body / F.G. Kolenko, O.I. Kolenko, A.V. Stetsenko, N.N. Stetsenko, F.M. Chuvikov, Z.F. Kravchenk/ Bulletin of Sumy State University. Series Medicine. - 2009. - No. 1. - pp. 104-109.
- Ganuzin V.M., Chernaya N.L. Prevalence of meteosensitivity and meteotropic reactions among senior students. Issues of school and university medicine and health. 2015, no. 3, pp. 28-31.
- Hygienic assessment of the dependence of a student’s body reactions on weather conditions / L. V. Demakova [et al.] // Modern problems of science and education. - 2021. - No. 6. - P. 149.
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- Zaslavskaya R.M., Shcherban E.A., Teiblyum M.M., and Logvinenko S.I. “Study of the meteoprotective properties of drugs with adaptogenic effects (melaxen, mebicar and eltacin) in patients with arterial hypertension and coronary heart disease” Scientific bulletins of Belgorod State University. Series: Medicine. Pharmacy, 2011, no. 22 (117), pp. 103-109.
- Zaslavskaya, R. M., Shcherban, E. A., Logvinenko, S. I. (2010). The influence of adaptogens on the hemodynamics of weather-sensitive patients with arterial hypertension and coronary heart disease. Bulletin of the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia. Series: Medicine, (3), pp.210-212.
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- Chronobiology and chronomedicine / Ed. F.I. Komarova. - M.: Medicine, 1989. - 400 p.