Monsoon is not just about the rains but also about the high humidity levels that can affect our health in various ways. From dehydration to poor sleep quality to increased skin and throat irritation, too much moisture in the air can prove harmful for your health. Additionally, for those with pre-existing chronic conditions like arthritis, high humidity levels are also said to worsen the symptoms and the pain associated with them.
To find out whether there is any truth in it, the OnlyMyHealth team interacted with Dr Hitesh Garg, Head - Ortho Spine Surgery, Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon, and discussed how arthritis pain can be managed in general.
Also Read: Rheumatoid Arthritis Affects More Than Just Your Joints: Note The Unusual Symptoms Of The Condition
Can High Humidity Worsen Arthritis Pain?
According to the Arthritis Foundation, several reports suggest that humidity, along with other factors such as temperature and weather changes, worsen joint pain in arthritis patients.
In fact, a 2015 study published in the Journal of Rheumatology suggests that the effect of humidity on pain is stronger in relatively cold weather conditions.
However, the scientific evidence available on this is mixed. The exact mechanism is not entirely understood, but it’s believed that the body's tissues expand in response to changes in humidity, which can increase pain in already inflamed joints, said Dr Garg.
He added, “The increase in moisture in the air can lead to an expansion of the fluid in the joints, which puts additional pressure on the nerves and causes pain. Humid conditions can also make it more difficult for the body to cool itself, potentially causing inflammation and discomfort. Furthermore, people with arthritis are likely to experience that their muscles and tendons become stiffer in humid weather, contributing to increased pain and reduced mobility.”
Who Is Most At Risk?
According to Dr Garg, people with certain types of arthritis, especially Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), may be more affected by humidity changes.
He said, “Osteoarthritis, which involves the wearing down of cartilage in joints, can be particularly sensitive to changes in weather, including humidity. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in the joints, can also flare up with changes in humidity and barometric pressure.”
Furthermore, people with fibromyalgia, a condition often linked with arthritis, are also likely to experience increased pain with high humidity.
Also Read: Fibromyalgia Tender Points Explained: Symptoms, Diagnosis, And Insights From The Expert
Strategies To Manage Arthritis Pain During Monsoon Humidity
To manage arthritis pain during periods of high humidity, people can adopt several strategies. These include:
- Staying physically active with low-impact exercises such as swimming or yoga
- Keeping the joints warm with appropriate clothing or heating pads
- Staying hydrated
- Maintaining a healthy diet
- Taking Over-The-Counter (OTC) pain relievers, prescribed medications, and topical treatments
- Using a dehumidifier indoors
Bottomline
While some experts believe that high humidity can exacerbate arthritis pain, the scientific evidence is mixed, and not everyone with arthritis will experience increased pain in humid weather. However, the key is to manage the symptoms regardless of the climate and changes in weather. This involves a combination of staying active with low-impact exercises, keeping joints warm, staying hydrated, and using appropriate medications or topical treatments.