When the Weather Cools, Joint Pain Heats Up: How to Manage Arthritis This Fall

If cooler weather leaves your knees aching or your hands feeling stiff, you're in good company. Many people living with arthritis notice that their symptoms worsen as temperatures begin to drop in the fall. Doctors and researchers are still learning exactly why seasonal changes affect joints, but one thing is certain—cooler days can make arthritis more challenging to manage. The good news is that a few simple strategies can help you ease the pain, support your joints, and keep moving comfortably this fall. 

Why Does Cooler Weather Affect Arthritis? 

While science hasn't pinpointed one single cause, there are a few theories behind why joint pain worsens with weather changes. 

"As the weather changes, many of my patients tell me their arthritis pain flares up," says Nicholas S. Richardson, MD, orthopedic surgeon at Archbold Orthopedics in Thomasville. "It's not in their head—weather shifts truly can have an impact on how joints feel." 

Dr. Richardson explains that changes in barometric pressure can cause tissues around the joints to expand or contract, creating added stress and discomfort. Cooler temperatures may also cause muscles and ligaments to tighten, leading to stiffness. on top of that, people tend to be less active during the cooler months, which can weaken support muscles and leave joins more vulnerable to pain. 

Easy Tips to Ease Arthritis Pain

Relief doesn't always come from major changes—sometimes it's the little shifts in your day-to-day habits that make the biggest difference in how your joints feel. 

• Stay active—even when it's chilly: Gentle, low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, or yoga help keep joints flexible and muscles strong. Even light stretching before bed or first thing in the morning can improve stiffness. 
   
• Warm up your joints: Heat increases blood flow, relaxes muscles, and reduces stiffness. Try using a heating pad, taking a warm shower, or wrapping up in a cozy blanket before activity to make movement more comfortable.
   
• Layer up outdoors: Cold air can irritate already sensitive joints. Protect your hands with gloves, wear supportive shoes, and dress in layers to prevent temperature-related flare-ups when you're outside. 
   
• Maintain a healthy weight: Carrying extra weight adds stress to joints, particularly in the hips, knees, and back. Even a small amount of weight loss can reduce pressure and ease pain. 
   
• Balance rest with movement: While it's important to pace yourself, staying sedentary for too long can increase stiffness. Short, regular breaks for gentle movement help joints stay lubricated and flexible. 
   
• Focus on joint-friendly foods: A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, like fruits, vegetables, fatty fish, and whole grains, may also help reduce inflammation and support overall joint health. 

"Movement is medicine for arthritis," explains Dr. Richardson. "The more you keep your joints moving in a safe, low-impact way, the better they'll feel over time. Pairing that with good lifestyle habits gives patients the best chance to stay active and independent."

Arthritis Treatment Options

Sometimes lifestyle changes and home remedies aren't enough to keep arthritis pain under control. That's when it's helpful to know that expert care is close by. The team at Archbold Orthopedics specializes in helping patients manage arthritis, offering a full range of treatments designed to reduce pain, improve mobility, and protect joint health. 

• Medications: From over-the-counter pain relivers to prescription-strength anti-inflammatories, medications can help reduce swelling, improve mobility, and make daily activities less painful. 
   
• Injections: Options like corticosteroid injections can provide targeted relief from inflammation. 
   
• Physical Therapy: Customized physical therapy plans focus on strengthening the muscles that support your joints, improving flexibility, and teaching you safe, effective ways to stay active. 
   
• Minimally Invasive Surgery or Joint Replacement: When arthritis pain becomes severe or starts to limit your quality of life, surgical options, such as partial joint replacement, or total joint replacement, may be the best path forward. These procedures are designed to restore function and relieve long-term pain. 

"Our goal isn't just to treat pain, it's to restore function and help patients stay active in their daily lives," says Dr. Richardson. "We take time to understand each patient's unique situation and discuss both non-surgical and surgical options so they can feel confident in their care plan."

When to See a Specialist

If joint pain is interfering with your ability to do everyday activities, like walking, working, or even sleeping, it's time to make an appointment. The sooner arthritis is addressed, the more options you'll have for relief. 

At Archbold, the approach is always personalized. Whether you're just starting to notice more stiffness or have been living with arthritis for years, our specialists will guide you through the right steps to keep you moving with less pain. 

Schedule An Appointment Today

To schedule an appointment with Archbold Orthopedics in Thomasville, call (229) 551-8600.