Health and Me

Ishita Srivastava

Orthopedic Surgeon Reveals Why Your Joints Hurt More During Winters

Been wondering why your shoulders, knees or elbows hurt more than usual? Experts say it's due to falling temperatures. 

Dr Christopher Murawski, an orthopedic surgeon with Duke Health, has revealed that changes in weather can add pressure to the joints and worsen existing pain.

"Whether it's warm weather, whether it's cold weather, whether it's changes in humidity, changes in pressure and things like that, they do experience joint pains, and muscle pains," he told <a href="https://abc11.com/post/can-cold-weather-cause-aches-pains-heres-what-experts-say/18378297/" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow noreferrer" rel= "noopener nofollow noreferrer" target= "_blank">ABC11</a>.

Typically, joints hurt in the cold because low temperatures thicken the lubricating synovial fluid, a viscous, egg-white-like liquid in movable joints (like knees, hips, shoulders) that lubricates cartilage, reduces friction and provides nutrients, in the body. This makes joints stiffer, causing muscles to tighten.

Moreover, to conserve heat during extreme cold, the body also restricts blood flow which causes muscles and tendons around joints to tighten and pull, increasing discomfort. Less blood flow to extremities also means less warmth and oxygen around the joints, contributing to stiffness and aches. 

According to Dr Murawski, the air surrounding us exerts about 15 pounds of pressure per square inch on the body. Any changes in barometric pressure can also increase pressure on the joints and amplify pain

"I'd say, while the science isn't perfect, physiologically, it makes some sense. We get some changes in pressure. The muscles can expand. Ligaments can expand -- things like that. And more importantly, it jives with the experiences that patients share with us even anecdotally and the symptoms they experience," he said. 

People with existing conditions like <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/arthritis">arthritis</a> (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis) or past joint injuries feel these effects more acutely.

Those whom have suffered from past injuries, such as ligament strains or cartilage tears, do not exercise frequently and have weak quadriceps and hamstrings may also 

become more noticeable to join pain in cold temperatures.

Working from home, sitting with legs crossed or lounging for long periods can also strain the joints as well as drinking less water as dehydration affects cartilage and synovial fluid and increases joint stiffness.

According to Dr Murawski, staying warm, active/mobile and hydrated, even if it is cold outside, is essential to keep the pain manageable. You should visit a doctor if the pain lasts for over three days and occurs several times within a month.

Experts also recommend maintaining weight, focusing on the glutes and hamstrings during exercise and avoiding sitting near cold windows or walking barefoot on cold floors to protect the bones.  

Health Conditions A-Z

health

Joint pain

arthritis

christopher murawski

duke health

winter

End Of 'Gentle Parenting'? Why Gen Z Parents Are Turning To 'FAFO'

India Faces A Looming Lung Cancer Crisis, Expert Warns

The Invisible “Brain-Eating” Bacteria Lurking in Water Pipes That Can Cause Deadly Infections

Fitness

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Been wondering why your shoulders, knees or elbows hurt more than usual? Experts say it's due to falling temperatures. Dr Christopher Murawski, an orthopedic surgeon with Duke Health, has revealed that changes in weather can add pressure to the joints and worsen existing pain."Whether it's warm weather, whether it's cold weather, whether it's changes in humidity, changes in pressure and things like that, they do experience joint pains, and muscle pains," he told ABC11.Typically, joints hurt in the cold because low temperatures thicken the lubricating synovial fluid, a viscous, egg-white-like liquid in movable joints (like knees, hips, shoulders) that lubricates cartilage, reduces friction and provides nutrients, in the body. This makes joints stiffer, causing muscles to tighten.Moreover, to conserve heat during extreme cold, the body also restricts blood flow which causes muscles and tendons around joints to tighten and pull, increasing discomfort. Less blood flow to extremities also means less warmth and oxygen around the joints, contributing to stiffness and aches. According to Dr Murawski, the air surrounding us exerts about 15 pounds of pressure per square inch on the body. Any changes in barometric pressure can also increase pressure on the joints and amplify pain"I'd say, while the science isn't perfect, physiologically, it makes some sense. We get some changes in pressure. The muscles can expand. Ligaments can expand -- things like that. And more importantly, it jives with the experiences that patients share with us even anecdotally and the symptoms they experience," he said. Who Does It Affect The Most?People with existing conditions like arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis) or past joint injuries feel these effects more acutely. Those whom have suffered from past injuries, such as ligament strains or cartilage tears, do not exercise frequently and have weak quadriceps and hamstrings may also become more noticeable to join pain in cold temperatures.Working from home, sitting with legs crossed or lounging for long periods can also strain the joints as well as drinking less water as dehydration affects cartilage and synovial fluid and increases joint stiffness.What Can You Do For Relief?According to Dr Murawski, staying warm, active/mobile and hydrated, even if it is cold outside, is essential to keep the pain manageable. You should visit a doctor if the pain lasts for over three days and occurs several times within a month.Experts also recommend maintaining weight, focusing on the glutes and hamstrings during exercise and avoiding sitting near cold windows or walking barefoot on cold floors to protect the bones.  