According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly one in four American adults have been diagnosed with arthritis. Arthritis causes joint pain (sometimes severe), which can be exacerbated by inactivity. Unfortunately, seasonal weather changes can also have an effect on joint pain in seniors. Keep reading to learn more, plus get tips on managing seasonal joint pain in Arizona.
How Do Arizona’s Seasonal Changes Affect Joint Pain in Seniors?
According to Dr. Bang, who was interviewed by the Cleveland Clinic, although symptoms brought on by weather vary, it is clear that seasonal weather changes affect joint pain. Research has found a connection between an increase in joint pain in arthritis patients and the following weather conditions:
- Higher humidity
- Lower barometric pressure
- High winds
According to the Arthritis Foundation, Arizona is one of the ideal states to live in if you suffer from joint pain, considering the dry and warm climate. Since the above weather factors tend to produce wetter and colder weather, arthritis patients tend to do better in climates like Arizona with the opposite weather.
Why Do Seniors Experience More Joint Pain During Certain Seasons in Arizona?
The impact of the Arizona climate on elderly joint health is relatively good considering the alternatives. However, according to Dr. Bang, there isn’t necessarily a perfect place to live to avoid weather-triggered joint pain altogether. This is because humidity and barometric pressure will rise and fall everywhere. Plus, the reaction seems to also come from the weather changes themselves, putting stress on the body.
What Steps Can Seniors Take to Manage Joint Pain During Arizona’s Hot Summers and Cold Winters?
While Arizona can be an ideal place for seniors dealing with joint pain, that doesn’t mean that fluctuating weather patterns won’t have an effect. Handling arthritis symptoms in Arizona’s changing seasons will still have its challenges.
How Arizona’s Heat Affects Joint Pain in Seniors
According to the Arthritis Foundation, hotter temperatures have been linked to increased gout symptoms. Gout is a specific type of arthritis that causes swelling, joint pain (often severe), redness, and limited range of motion, according to the Mayo Clinic. Arizona also experiences monsoon season during the summer months, so humidity will also be a factor.
Tips for managing the harsh summer heat:
- Stay hydrated (dehydration will only make joint pain worse)
- Try to stay indoors in air-conditioned areas as much as possible
- Avoid heat treatment for pain relief during the day
- Consider water aerobics to stay cool and active
- Avoid red meat, shellfish, and sugar
- Stick to an anti-inflammatory diet as much as possible
- Discuss treatment options for gout with your doctor
How Does the Humidity in Arizona Impact Joint Pain for Seniors?
While there can be some humidity in Arizona, it is quite low, considering the hot and dry climate. But it’s important to be extra aware of this factor during the harsh summer months when extreme heat is already a factor mixed with monsoon season, bringing on the threat of humidity that can further irritate joint pain.
Joint Pain Management During Arizona Winters
The Arizona weather’s effect on joint pain is likely going to be worse during the colder winter months. Although Arizona doesn’t tend to get very cold, any drop in temperature and barometric pressure can affect joint pain. Specific lifestyle changes and pain management strategies can assist with seasonal joint pain.
What Lifestyle and Healthcare Adjustments Should Seniors Consider for Reducing Joint Pain Related to Weather Changes?
Managing joint pain in seniors during weather changes isn’t always easy. According to Dr. Bang, who the Cleveland Clinic interviewed, the best remedies for seasonal joint pain in seniors include:
- Staying active to keep muscles and joints loose
- Practicing stretching and yoga to keep your joints healthy
- When it’s cold out, dress appropriately to keep muscles warm
- Consider an anti-inflammatory diet
- Ask your doctor about anti-inflammatory medications and your pain relief options
According to the Mayo Clinic, the following is also beneficial for joint pain specific to arthritis seasonal joint pain:
- Be careful not to overstress the joints while remaining active
- Manage your weight, as excess weight can contribute to increased arthritis pain
- Quit smoking
- Consider physical therapy so you can learn to exercise in ways that will alleviate pain but be safe for your joints
- Over-the-counter pain relievers may be used for occasional joint pain, but be sure to discuss with your doctor if you feel the need to use these regularly
- Try massage, acupuncture, and hot and cold therapy for non-medicinal pain relief
- Relaxation therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy are both beneficial for keeping your spirits up and managing pain levels
Seasonal weather changes causing increased joint pain can be tricky to address, even in a normally ideal climate like Arizona. Luckily, the staff at a skilled nursing facility such as Haven Health can assist in pain management services that can make the issues you’re dealing with easier.
Are you looking for a “senior care facility near me?” Contact Haven Health to learn more about our inpatient and outpatient services.
Sources:
Arizona’s Monsoon. (n.d.).
Arthritis pain: Do’s and don’ts. (2023).
Best Climate for Arthritis Patients: Humidity’s Impact on Your Joints. (n.d.).
Gout. (2022).
Guglielmo, D. (2019). State-Specific Severe Joint Pain and Physical Inactivity Among Adults with Arthritis — United States, 2017.