If you feel like you can predict cold weather based on how stiff or achy your joints are, you’re not alone. Aches and pains are often associated with colder weather, although the reasons aren’t completely clear.  

“We’re not sure exactly why some older adults notice their osteoarthritis worsens when the temperature drops,” says Timothy W. Gibson, MD, medical director of the MemorialCare Joint Replacement Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California. Osteoarthritis is the wearing down of the joints. He adds, “But one theory is that low temperatures increase the thickness of joint fluid, which makes joints stiffer.” Changes in barometric pressure may also cause muscles and tendons to expand and press on sensitive joints. 

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There are a few other reasons you may find yourself achy in the winter. On the list: 

• Skipping exercise. When it’s cold outside, people often become less active. This lack of exercise brings on joint pain. “Often, patients with bad knees say their first few steps of the day are the worst ones,” Dr. Gibson says. In other words, after hours of being in bed and inactive, joints tighten up and feel worse. The same is true if you choose curling up on the couch where it’s warm over exercise in winter. 
   
• Seasonal depression. “When you’re depressed in the winter months, it can really magnify your perception of pain,” says Dr. Gibson. “Especially if you’re not as out and about as you are in warmer weather.” 
   
• Comfort foods. Winter may have you craving comfort foods like pizza and macaroni and cheese, instead of heart-healthy food choices. But a high-fat, highly processed diet can trigger inflammation, which can make osteoarthritis worse, says Dr. Gibson. Also, if you happen to gain a few pounds, that puts even more pressure on joints. 
   
• Dehydration. “People often also don’t drink enough water in the wintertime. There’s less of a thirst impulse,” points out Dr. Gibson. “But dehydration can worsen joint pain.” 

Fortunately, you don’t have to spend your winter months feeling achy and miserable. Here are five ways to get some much-needed relief. 

1. Layer up 

“It can be helpful to keep warmth around your joints as much as possible when in the cold, particularly when exercising outside,” says Diana Patterson, MD. She’s an orthopedist at Stony Brook Medicine in East Setauket, New York. “This can be important around the knees, which usually have less superficial muscle and soft tissue than the hips or shoulders do.”  

When you go out, dress in lightweight layers that trap warm air close to your body. Try thermal long underwear. It can fit nicely under your regular clothes without being too bulky. Also think about using neoprene, elastic or Lycra sleeves on sore joints, such as knees and ankles. These sleeves are available at most pharmacies. “They increase local blood flow and tissue warmth, which promotes improved motion and less pain,” says Daniel K. Davis, MD. He’s an orthopedist at Ventura Orthopedics in Simi Valley, California. 

2. Adjust your pain meds 

If you know your knees ache when it snows, plan ahead before a winter storm hits. Preventing the worsening of joint pain is more effective than active treatment once the irritation sets in, says Dr. Davis. Talk to your doctor about taking an over-the-counter medicine such as ibuprofen beforehand. That can help reduce symptoms before they get out of control. If you’re already taking medicine, ask your doctor about increasing your dose.  

3. Eat like they do in Italy

People of Italian descent are big on the Mediterranean-style diet. It’s one that’s rich in fruits, veggies, healthy fats like olive oil and nuts, whole grains and fish. Research suggests that a Mediterranean diet can reduce some of the inflammation of osteoarthritis and possibly even improve symptoms.^* One great way to get closer to a Mediterranean diet? Cut down on processed foods as much as you can, says Dr. Gibson. But while wine is also a part of the Mediterranean diet, Dr. Gibson says to steer clear of alcohol. It can cause dehydration (loss of too much fluid from the body), which makes joint pain worse.^* 

4. Try a new activity 

It’s normal to want to be less active when it’s cold. But this reduction in joint motion may lead to more stiffness, pain and swelling, says Dr. Davis. It can also worsen the depression that sometimes goes along with cold weather. If you can’t bear to bundle up and go for a brisk walk outdoors, try moving your workout inside.  

An excellent indoor option is tai chi. One study found that it may help reduce lower back pain and improve function.^* It also can help improve depression.^* If you have access to a warm pool, that’s also a good choice. Swimming can build muscle strength while also loosening stiff muscles.

All of these activities can help you lose weight too, which should improve joint pain. Losing 10 pounds relieves 40 pounds of pressure on your knees, reports the Arthritis Foundation.^*

5. Talk to your doctor 

If you’ve tried all of the above tips and are still hobbling around, don’t suffer in silence. Your primary care provider can refer you to an orthopedic specialist. This is a doctor who specializes in bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles. They can offer other solutions, such as a steroid shot to relieve pain.

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*FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS AND A MEDITERRANEAN DIET: Meiss MS, Villagrán-Andrade KM, Calder PC, et al. Harnessing the Mediterranean diet to prevent osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. April 2021. Accessed September 30, 2024.

*FOR DEHYDRATION, ALCOHOL AND JOINT PAIN: Sinha Dutta S. Does drinking alcohol cause joint pain in arthritis? News Medical Life Sciences. October 8, 2019. Accessed September 30, 2024.

*FOR TAI CHI AND PAIN RELIEF: Qin J, Zhang Y, Wu L, et al. Effect of Tai Chi alone or as additional therapy on low back pain. Medicine. September 2019, 98(37): e17099. Accessed September 30, 2024.

*FOR TAI CHI AND DEPRESSION: Kong J, Wilson G, Park J, et al. Treating depression with Tai Chi: state of the art and future perspectives. Frontiers in Psychiatry. April 12, 2019; 10. Accessed September 30, 2024.

*FOR THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WEIGHT AND JOINT PAIN: Arthritis Foundation. Weight loss benefits for arthritis. Accessed September 30, 2024.  
 

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