When Grandma said it was fixin’ to rain because her bones were aching more than usual, she was on to something sound and scientific. Her bones were sensing changes in the weather conditions.

Surveys conducted among arthritis sufferers showed that up to 93% of those surveyed believe that weather affects their pain level and 68% believe that weather severely affects their pain level.

Studies indicate that certain weather conditions cause swelling and inflammation of arthritic joints, stretching the inflamed joint lining, thus heightening arthritic pain. When any two of the following weather conditions are present, pain can be more severe. An example would be a combination of chilly, damp weather when low pressure is falling. Weather conditions that increase joint discomfort and arthritic pain include:Changes in atmospheric pressure, especially falling pressure.

• Changes in temperature, especially lowering temperature
• High or increasing relative or absolute humidity.
• Relatively low atmospheric pressure
• Low temperatures
• Precipitation

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