Why Do My Joints Hurt in Cold Weather?
As temperatures drop, many people notice their joints feeling stiff, swollen, or achier than usual. If cold or damp weather makes your knee, hip, or shoulder pain flare up, you’re not imagining it, and you’re not alone.
In this video, Dr. Brandon Couch explains why joint pain can worsen during colder months and what you can do to stay comfortable and active:
Why Cold Weather Can Make Joint Pain Worse
Cold weather affects the body in several ways that can make existing joint issues feel more intense. Here are the factors Dr. Couch highlights:
1. Changes in Barometric Pressure
When temperatures drop, barometric pressure tends to decrease. Lower pressure allows tissues around your joints to expand slightly. This expansion adds pressure inside the joint, leading to:
A feeling of tightness
Increased stiffness
More noticeable pain in arthritic or previously injured joints
2. Thickening of Joint Fluid
Your joints are filled with synovial fluid, a natural lubricant. Cold weather makes this fluid thicker and less efficient, which can cause:
Reduced mobility
Morning stiffness
Increased discomfort with movement
3. Muscle Tightness in the Cold
Cold temperatures make muscles contract and tighten, which places additional strain on surrounding joints. If you already have arthritis or inflammation, the added tension can worsen symptoms.
4. Reduced Circulation
Your body prioritizes warmth in colder weather, reducing blood flow to your extremities. Lower circulation can make joints feel stiff or achy, especially in the hands, knees, and hips.
Who Feels This Pain Most?
While anyone can experience weather-related joint discomfort, it’s most common in:
Patients with osteoarthritis
Those with previous joint injuries
Individuals with chronic inflammation
Adults over 50
Anyone with stiffness after periods of inactivity
If you consistently feel worse during winter or cold fronts, it may be a sign that your joint health needs attention
Practical Tips to Reduce Joint Pain in Cold Weather
Dr. Couch recommends simple strategies that can make a significant difference:
Stay Warm
Dress in layers and protect sensitive joints with gloves, leggings, or compression sleeves. Warm showers and heating pads can help loosen stiff joints.
Stay Active
Gentle movement increases circulation and helps reduce stiffness. Try low-impact activities like:
Walking
Cycling
Swimming
Mobility routines
Maintain Hydration
Even in cold months, proper hydration helps keep joints lubricated and functioning well.
Use Anti-Inflammatory Tools Wisely
Topical creams, warm compresses, and over-the-counter NSAIDs (when appropriate) may offer short-term relief.
When to Consider Treatment
If cold-weather pain is interfering with your daily activities, walking, sleeping, exercising, or working, it may be time to explore treatment options. San Antonio Orthopedic Specialist offers both non-surgical and surgical solutions depending on your needs.
Non-Surgical Options Through Joint Health Specialists
Our Joint Health Specialists provide targeted, non-surgical treatments to improve joint comfort during seasonal flare-ups, including:
Joint injections (corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid, PRP, and more)
Iovera° cold therapy for nerve-based pain relief
Personalized wellness evaluations
Conservative management plans to delay or avoid surgery
When Joint Replacement May Be the Right Step
For severe arthritis or structural damage, Dr. Couch or our fellowship-trained surgeons may recommend hip replacement or knee replacement.
Why Choose Dr. Brandon Couch at SAOS?
Dr. Couch combines advanced orthopaedic training with a compassionate, easy-to-understand approach to care. He explains conditions clearly, helps patients feel confident in their treatment options, and focuses on personalized plans to restore mobility and reduce pain.
Whether you’re dealing with seasonal joint pain or long-term arthritis, Dr. Couch is here to help, and he is now accepting new patients at San Antonio Orthopædic Specialists.
Get Relief From Cold Weather Joint Pain
If joint pain tends to flare during cold weather, you don’t have to simply wait for warmer days to feel better. Dr. Couch offers both expert evaluation and personalized treatment to help you stay active year-round.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Couch today and take the next step toward comfortable, confident movement, no matter the forecast.