Summer is here, and while most people are looking forward to soaking up the sun and enjoying outdoor activities, for some, the rising temperatures can mean more joint pain. Whether you’re dealing with arthritis, bursitis, or other joint conditions, the heat can exacerbate your symptoms and make it difficult to go about your day-to-day life. 

To understand why heat can worsen joint pain, we need to look at how joints work. Joints are where two bones meet, and they are surrounded by a capsule filled with synovial fluid. This fluid acts as a lubricant, allowing the bones to move smoothly against each other. However, when the temperature rises, the synovial fluid can become thinner, reducing its ability to cushion and protect the joint. This can increase friction and inflammation, resulting in pain, stiffness, and swelling. 

Here are four reasons why heat makes joint pain worse:

• Dehydration: When you’re hydrated, your body doesn’t have enough water to keep your joints lubricated. This can cause friction between bones and lead to more pain and stiffness. In summer, it’s easy to get dehydrated because you sweat more and may not be drinking enough fluids to compensate for the loss. So, make sure to drink plenty of water and other hydrating fluids like a sports drink or coconut water to keep your joints happy. 

• Inflammation: Heat can cause inflammation in your joints, which can lead to pain and swelling. This is because that increases blood flow to the area, which can cause the blood vessels to dilate and allow more fluid to accumulate in the joint. Additionally, hot and humid weather can trigger an autoimmune in the joint. Additionally, hot and humid weather can trigger an autoimmune response, causing the immune system to attack healthy joint tissues. 

• Reduce physical activities: During the summer, you may be less likely to engage in physical activity due to the heat. However, regular exercise is important for maintaining healthy joints. When you don’t exercise, your joints can become stiff and weak, making them more susceptible to pain and injury. So, try to find ways to stay active, such as swimming or walking in the early morning or late evening when the temperature are cooler. 

In conclusion, while summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, it can also be a challenging time for people with joint pain. The combination of heat, dehydration, inflammation, changes in barometric pressure, and reduced physical activity can all contribute to increased joint pain. However, by taking steps to stay hydrated, avoid inflammation triggers, and engage in regular exercise, you can help manage your joint pain and enjoy the summer months.  Call us today to book an appointment with joint, knee, and hip specialist Dr. Debashish Chanda.