[Health Column] Summer Joint Pain, Is It Really Due to Humidity? An Orthopedic Specialist Explains

 

 

Hello! This is Director Lee Se-min from Nowon Samsung Orthopedics. 🩺✨

Whenever it is a sweltering summer or the rainy season "My knees ache the day before it rains," "My wrists and shoulders hurt more" There are many people complaining of pain. In fact, many people search for 'summer joint pain' or 'humidity and joint pain.'

 

indeed Is humidity really the cause of joint damage? Today, I will clear up that curiosity in an easy and clear way. 💡

 

1️⃣ Is summer joint pain really caused by humidity?

Humidity is an environmental factor that exacerbates existing pain rather than directly damaging the joints.

 

To start with the conclusion, so far... There is no clear medical evidence that humidity directly destroys or damages joints. 🙅‍♂️

 

However, several studies point out the possibility that changes in atmospheric pressure, humidity, and temperature may worsen pain in individuals with pre-existing joint conditions. 🌧️

 

🔸 You may be particularly sensitive to weather changes if you have any of these conditions.

· degenerative arthritis
· Rheumatoid arthritis
· History of ligament or cartilage damage
· Herniated discs and spinal disorders

 

✨ Key Points
Humidity does not create new diseases, but A 'switch' that makes the pain from existing joint problems feel more intense It can be.

 

2️⃣ Why is pain worse on rainy days and during the rainy season?

This is because lowered atmospheric pressure, increased humidity, and reduced movement interact in combination.

 

Although not all principles have been revealed yet, the representative causes are as follows. 🔍

 

✔️ Atmospheric pressure change
When atmospheric pressure drops before it rains, the tissues around the joints expand slightly, stimulating the nerves and potentially causing pain. 🎈

 

✔️ High humidity
Your body feels heavy, and as muscle tension increases, the areas around your joints become stiff. 💦

 

✔️ decrease in activity level
If you go out less and remain inactive during the rainy season, the muscles around your joints stiffen, making the pain more severe. 🏠

 

3️⃣ What are the symptoms of joint pain in the summer?

Check out the joint warning signs that are easy to overlook in everyday life.

 

If the following symptoms recur, it is time to check the condition of your joints. Please check if you are experiencing any of the items listed below.

 

🔸 A throbbing or heavy feeling in the knee
🔸 Pain that worsens when going up and down stairs
🔸 Feeling of stiff joints when waking up in the morning
🔸 Discomfort felt when raising the shoulders
🔸 Swollen or stiff finger joints
🔸 Sharp pain when standing up after sitting for a long time

 

⚠️ Please be careful
If it gets better within a few days, it could be temporary fatigue, but, If it recurs or persists, seek accurate orthopedic treatment. I need this. 🩺

 

4️⃣ How should I manage joint pain in the summer?

You can significantly reduce the burden on your joints with just small changes in your lifestyle.

 

🚴‍♂️ Maintaining proper exercise
Light walking, indoor cycling, and swimming are good for maintaining muscle strength while reducing strain on the joints.

 

⚖️ Weight management
The knees bear a load equivalent to several times your body weight. You can protect your knee joints simply by maintaining your body weight.

 

💧 Adequate hydration
Dehydration in the summer increases muscle fatigue, so please drink water regularly.

 

🏥 Examination for recurring pain
Symptoms you thought were simple muscle pain could be cartilage damage or early-stage arthritis, so please get an accurate checkup using X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI if necessary.

 

5️⃣ When is the best time to visit the hospital?

If any of the six signs below apply, visit an orthopedic clinic without delay.

 

⚠️ You need orthopedic treatment in these cases

✔️ Pain Lasting for more than 2 weeks When it happens
✔️ When you feel swelling or a sensation of heat in the joint area
✔️ When waking up at night due to pain
✔️ When the pain is severe enough to make walking difficult
✔️ When a specific area repeatedly hurts
✔️ When discomfort arises in daily life

 

6️⃣ Joint Pain, Which Hospital Should I Choose?

Choose a place that goes beyond simple painkiller prescriptions to accurately identify the cause and provide personalized care.

 

📋 Hospital Selection Checklist
· Orthopedic specialist Whether he/she provides direct treatment
· Whether equipped with precision imaging equipment such as X-ray, ultrasound, and MRI
· Whether a customized treatment system based on symptoms is established
· Whether exercise therapy and rehabilitation therapy are linked
· Is it a medical system capable of surgical treatment if necessary?

 

💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. My knees hurt whenever it rains. Does this mean I have arthritis?

 

A. It does not necessarily mean arthritis. However, since individuals with pre-existing joint conditions may be more sensitive to weather changes, it is advisable to seek medical attention if the pain recurs. 🩺

 

Q2. Will joint pain in the summer naturally improve over time?

 

A. If it is temporary muscle fatigue, it may improve. However, if the pain recurs periodically or worsens, do not neglect it and identify the underlying condition. ⚠️

 

Q3. Does high humidity damage joints?

 

A. No. There is insufficient medical evidence that humidity itself directly destroys joints. However, it acts as an environmental factor that exacerbates pain associated with pre-existing conditions. 🌧️

 

Q4. Should I continue exercising during the summer?

 

A. Yes. While you should avoid strenuous exercise, consistently doing low-stress exercises such as light walking, swimming, and indoor cycling is very helpful for maintaining joint health. 🚴‍♀️

 

Q5. When is an MRI scan necessary?

 

A. When fine damage to cartilage, ligaments, menisci, etc., which is difficult to confirm with a standard X-ray is suspected, an MRI examination will be performed at the medical team's discretion. 🔬

 

🎯 Conclusion

Joint pain in the summer does not necessarily indicate a serious illness. However, If pain recurs and interferes with your daily life, do not simply dismiss it as 'due to the weather'; check the cause. Wisdom is needed to do so. 🌱

 

Everyone's joint condition and causes are different. Rather than self-diagnosing, consult with an orthopedic specialist to accurately assess your joint condition and find the proper management method. 👨‍⚕️

 

※ This column was written with reference to NIAMS, Versus Arthritis, Arthritis Foundation, European Journal of Pain, and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's National Health Information Portal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nowon Samsung Orthopedic Clinic

Chief Director Lee Se-min

· Current Director of Nowon Samsung Orthopedic Hospital
· Doctor of Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University
· Visiting Professor, Department of Orthopedics, Kyung Hee University
· Clinical Professor of Knee Joints, Department of Orthopedics, Ewha Medical Center, Ewha Womans University
· Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopedics, Seoul Southwest Hospital
· Director of the Artificial Joint Center and Gene Therapy Center, Department of Orthopedics, Incheon Daechan Hospital
· Clinical Instructor in Artificial Joints, Department of Orthopedics, Kyung Hee University
· Clinical Instructor in Sports Injuries and Arthroscopy, Department of Orthopedics, Kyung Hee University
· Certified Specialist in Sports Medicine by the Korean Society
· Vice Chairman of the Academic Committee, Korean Society of Growth Medicine
· Master's Degree from the Graduate School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University
· Graduated from Kyung Hee University College of Medicine
· Graduated from Hwimun High School