Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and damage to the joints in the body. In winter, the symptoms often get worse due to certain environmental and physiological factors, said Dr. Deepak Raina, Senior Director - Head of Orthopedics, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka (Gujarat, India).
Dr. Deepak Raina offers several reasons why rheumatoid arthritis may become worse in winter:
Cold temperatures increase pain sensation.
Vasoconstriction: When the temperature drops, the body reacts by constricting blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the joints. This can lead to a lack of nutrients and oxygen in the joints, increasing pain and inflammation.
Muscle and tendon strain: Cold temperatures make muscles and tendons more tense, especially for people with rheumatoid arthritis. Muscle and tendon strain makes movement more difficult and causes pain in already inflamed joints.
Change in air humidity
Winter is often accompanied by low humidity or dry air, which can cause joints to become stiff. For people with rheumatoid arthritis, the lack of humidity can increase pain and stiffness, making symptoms worse.
Low humidity can affect the synovial fluid in joints, making it less effective at lubricating and reducing friction between joints, leading to increased pain and inflammation.
Reduced physical activity levels
When the weather is cold, many people tend to reduce their activity and exercise levels. Lack of movement can reduce joint flexibility and increase the risk of stiffness, leading to more pain and inflammation. This leads to poor blood circulation, not providing enough nutrients and oxygen to the joints, making the recovery process and reducing inflammation slower.
Increased inflammation due to hormonal changes
During the winter, the body may produce less vitamin D due to reduced sunlight, which can increase inflammation levels in the body. Vitamin D plays an important role in regulating the immune system and reducing inflammation, so a vitamin D deficiency can increase inflammation levels and worsen the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Winter can also cause changes in hormones in the body, such as melatonin and cortisol, which can increase sensitivity to pain and inflammation.
Longer recovery time
The immune system can become weakened by cold and rainy weather, making it difficult for the body to cope with inflammation and infections.
Change your diet
During the winter, many people tend to eat less fresh fruits and vegetables, foods containing vitamin C and omega-3s, nutrients that can help reduce inflammation and support joint health. An unbalanced diet can increase inflammation and make arthritis pain worse.
