As colder weather rolls in, we know how it can impact people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), even in places like Lafayette and South Louisiana, where winters are milder. For anyone living with rheumatoid arthritis, the cold can bring more stiffness, aches, and pain that make day-to-day activities harder.

So, what can be done to manage these colder-weather flare-ups? We’ve put together some practical, tried-and-true tips to help keep rheumatoid arthritis pain under control, even when the temperature dips.

Why Colder Weather Worsens Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Although we may not face extreme winters here, even a small drop in temperature can affect how people with rheumatoid arthritis feel day-to-day.

Cold Temperatures Make Joints Stiff and Painful

When the temperature dips, muscles and joints can tighten up, which makes movement more challenging and painful. Cold weather also slows blood flow to the extremities, leaving hands, knees, and other joints feeling stiff and achy. For those with rheumatoid arthritis, this adds an extra layer of discomfort.

Barometric Pressure Increases Joint Inflammation

Drops in air pressure may cause joints to expand slightly, leading to more inflammation and pain. Many people with rheumatoid arthritis notice they feel joint pain more intensely as pressure drops.

Cold Weather Puts Extra Stress on the Immune System

Colder weather also places more stress on the immune system. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition, and the added strain from cold weather can trigger flare-ups for those affected. The body’s immune response is already on high alert due to rheumatoid arthritis, and cold weather can make it harder for the body to cope, leading to more stiffness and discomfort in the joints.

Tips to Ease Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain in Cold Weather

Living with rheumatoid arthritis can be more challenging when the weather turns cold, especially here in Louisiana, where the chill can sometimes surprise us. But with a few adjustments, it’s possible to stay comfortable manage joint pain more effectively.

Dress Warmly

One of the best ways to protect yourself from the cold is by dressing warmly. Layering up helps keep joints flexible and reduces the stiffness that colder weather can bring. Gloves and socks are especially helpful because they help improve circulation in areas like your hands and feet, where rheumatoid arthritis pain can be most intense.

Use Heat Therapy

Applying a heating pad or hot pack directly to sore joints can relieve pain and improve blood flow. Warm baths or showers also work well for quick, soothing relief when stiffness hits. On colder nights, use an electric blanket to help you stay comfortable while you sleep, so you wake up with less morning stiffness.

Stay Active Indoors

It’s important to stay active indoors to reduce rheumatoid arthritis pain and stiffness. Simple, low-impact activities like stretching, yoga, or gentle range-of-motion exercises keep joints from locking up. Walking on a treadmill or cycling are also great options.

Just be sure to take it slow and avoid sudden movements. If you’ve been inactive for a while, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine to make sure it’s safe and appropriate for you.

Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Your diet also plays a big role in managing rheumatoid arthritis. Foods rich in anti-inflammatory properties—like leafy greens, fatty fish (such as wild-caught salmon), and nuts—can help reduce inflammation and support joint health. On the other hand, refined carbohydrates and sugars tend to worsen inflammation, so try to limit these foods.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is just as important in winter as it is in summer. Drinking enough water throughout the day helps keep your joints lubricated and functioning smoothly. Many people find they drink less water in colder weather, so a little extra mindfulness here can make a big difference.

Check Your Vitamin D Levels

Low vitamin D can contribute to increased joint pain, and with shorter, colder days, it’s common to get less sun exposure. A vitamin D supplement may be helpful, but it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before making changes to your routine.

Colder weather can make rheumatoid arthritis pain harder to manage, but there are many effective ways to keep symptoms under control. While these strategies can help reduce pain, it’s important to remember that long-term relief comes from addressing the root cause.

Read more: Rheumatoid Arthritis: Understanding the Basics

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which means that managing it requires more than just pain relief. At Dr. Kevin’s Wellness Clinic, we offer a unique, comprehensive treatment for rheumatoid arthritis in Lafayette and South Louisiana that combines structural care with functional wellness strategies to address both the physical and internal aspects of the disease.

Rheumatoid arthritis has two core components that need attention for the best possible relief: the structural side, which involves the joints, cartilage, and muscles, and the functional wellness side, which targets the immune response that causes inflammation in the first place.

On the structural side, we focus on protecting and strengthening the joints and reducing pain. The functional wellness approach is designed to address the internal factors that cause the immune system to attack healthy tissue. Together, these methods work to relieve immediate symptoms and help protect your cartilage in the long run.

If you’re ready to explore a comprehensive approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis, we invite you to schedule a free consultation at Dr. Kevin’s Wellness Clinic to discover how a well-rounded treatment plan can provide relief and support for lasting joint health.