Why do some people have more joint pain in cold weather?

Many people notice that their joints ache more when the weather gets colder. This is normal and is caused by a combination of physical and environmental factors.

At low temperatures, blood vessels in the hands, feet, and joints constrict to conserve heat. This reduces the supply of blood and oxygen to muscles and joints, which can cause stiffness and pain.

In cold, damp, or rainy weather, the air pressure drops. This can cause the tissues around the joint to expand slightly, which stimulates pain receptors more, especially in people with osteoarthritis.

Muscles stiffen in the cold. They automatically contract to retain heat. Tighter or stiffer muscles pull harder on the joints, resulting in more pain or stiffness.

People move less in cold weather. We stay indoors more often and move less. Less movement makes the joints stiffer and more painful.

Joints prone to inflammation react more strongly. Joints are generally more sensitive in people with osteoarthritis, rheumatism, old injuries, or overuse. Cold and damp often make this sensation more pronounced.

It's best to consult a doctor if the pain worsens, a joint becomes red, warm, or swollen, or if the pain wakes you up at night.

Keeping warm (warm clothing, a warm bath, or a hot water bottle), regular exercise or stretching, doing muscle-strengthening exercises or applying warm packs to painful joints.

Source: https://www.jrheum.org/content/42/10/1885.long

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2025-12-01 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2026