Studies on the effects of a warm climate on arthritis have produced conflicting results. However, some evidence finds people who live in warmer climates report fewer episodes of arthritic pain, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. A warm climate may have a positive effect on symptoms of arthritis, but it does not influence the progression of the disease.
Expert Insight
Johns Hopkins reports on an Argentine study of 151 people with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia with joint pain and 32 people without arthritis. After a year of keeping a journal of their pain and weather conditions, the subjects with arthritis and fibromyalgia experienced more pain during low temperatures. The people without arthritis felt no difference from weather conditions. Another study of 154 people in Florida compared weather conditions and arthritic pain for two years. No significant differences were reported.
Theories/Speculation
Cold weather may have an effect on increasing arthritic pain. A drop in air pressure that often accompanies cold, rainy weather may expand tissues in the body, causing the inflamed joints of arthritis to become more painful. During colder months, people are less likely to go outside and exercise to help relieve the pain of arthritis, Johns Hopkins explains. So some people with arthritis may associate cold weather with more painful episodes and warmer weather with fewer episodes.
Considerations
The Arthritis Foundation recommends that people who consider moving to warmer climates first spend some time in the location to see how the weather affects their condition. Leaving family and friends or a career behind may not be worth moving to a warmer climate for some people, especially if it has no significant effect on their arthritis.
Function
Although colder weather may cause more episodes of arthritic pain, people can bring their outdoor routines indoors in cold climates or during the winter months, Johns Hopkins notes. The necessary exercise to keep arthritis in check can be done at home, in the gym or in a heated pool. Whatever the effect of warm climates on arthritis, heat universally appears to relieve symptoms.
Benefits
Warm weather may have a positive association with arthritis because warm water exercises are known to help relieve pain and stiffness. Aquatic exercise programs are popular activities for people with arthritis. The warmth and buoyancy of warm water helps to keep joints moving and protects against further damage. The Arthritis Foundation recommends the use of heated pools or hot tubs under safe conditions because the heat helps relax muscles and decrease pain and the warm water makes it easier to exercise.
