As the seasons shift and temperatures fluctuate, many individuals with arthritis find themselves grappling with increased pain and discomfort. Have you ever wondered why? While anecdotal evidence has long suggested a link between weather changes and arthritis symptoms, recent studies delve deeper into this connection. We spoke to our expert Dr Pradeep Mahajan, Regenerative Medicine Researcher and Founder, StemRx BioScience Solutions, India, who explained the impact of weather on arthritis and how regenerative medicine helps those seeking relief.
The Weather-Arthritis Nexus
Arthritis is an acute or persistent joint inflammation in the joint, as stated in StatPearls. Its symptoms include pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, and joint abnormalities.
According to the Annals Of Medicine, there seems to be a connection between weather and Osteoarthritis (OA) discomfort. Temperature and OA pain were adversely connected, although barometric pressure and relative humidity were positively correlated.
Dr Mahajan said, “Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, the two most common types, can be exacerbated by changes in weather conditions. Individuals often report increased pain, stiffness, and swelling during periods of extreme cold or humidity.”
He added, “Scientific studies investigating the weather-arthritis link have yielded mixed results. While some researchers argue that atmospheric pressure, temperature, and humidity may influence joint health, others contend that individual sensitivities and perceptions play a significant role. Despite the ongoing debate, many arthritis sufferers claim to experience a worsening of symptoms during specific weather patterns.”
According to a study by the American Journal of Medicine, it was found that with every 10-degree decrease in temperature, there was a corresponding increase in pain. Additionally, higher barometric pressure was found to induce pain in individuals with arthritis.
Role Of Regenerative Medicine In Arthritis Management
Regenerative medicine has emerged as a promising field offering novel approaches to alleviate arthritis symptoms. “Unlike traditional treatments that focus on managing pain or slowing disease progression, regenerative medicine aims to restore damaged tissues and promote healing”, informed Dr Mahajan.
One key area within regenerative medicine is stem cell therapy, which harnesses the body's natural ability to repair and regenerate damaged cells.
Stem cell therapy, in particular, holds promise in repairing damaged joints and reducing inflammation. By introducing stem cells into affected areas, the therapy stimulates the body's natural healing mechanisms, offering long-term relief to arthritis sufferers.
Dr Mahajan stated, “Regenerative medicine offers a revolutionary approach to arthritis treatment by promoting tissue repair and regeneration. Weather-related exacerbations of arthritis symptoms can be particularly challenging, and traditional treatments may fall short. Stem cell therapy, among other regenerative approaches, holds the potential to not only alleviate pain but also to enhance joint function and quality of life for individuals affected by arthritis."
Bottomline
Dr Mahajan concluded, “While the link between weather changes and arthritis remains a subject of ongoing research and debate, regenerative medicine provides hope for those seeking relief from the debilitating effects of arthritis. As the field continues to advance, individuals grappling with arthritis may find solace in the potential of regenerative therapies to restore joint health and improve their overall well-being.”
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by a registered healthcare professional and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert if you notice any complications to get the necessary treatment.]