Why do our joints hurt in rainy weather?

Many people think they have rheumatism because they experience joint pain that allows them to predict rainy weather. Is rheumatism really a thing?

To tell you the truth, there is no such thing as rheumatism. There is a group of diseases called rheumatic diseases. Severe rheumatic diseases, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, also known as inflammatory joint rheumatism, or Ankylosing Spondylitis, which causes spinal deformities, are caused by the malfunction of the body's immune system. However, some people have a tendency to experience joint pain even though they do not have such severe rheumatic diseases. These people may experience joint pain in cold and humid weather, just like those who have rheumatic diseases. However, this does not necessarily mean that they are rheumatic patients.

Isn't osteoarthritis also a rheumatic disease?

If you consider all joint diseases as rheumatism, then yes. However, osteoarthritis is the degeneration and deterioration of the structure consisting of cartilage, bone, and soft tissues in the joint due to mechanical and age-related causes, unlike other rheumatic diseases. It is also known as joint degeneration. Early-onset joint degeneration can be related to a past accident, fall, impact, or heavy work. 

But how can a person have both osteoarthritis and osteoporosis at the same time?

Contrary to popular belief, there is no increase in calcium in the body due to osteoarthritis. Calcium only accumulates in some soft tissues that are worn out in the joint, which can trigger pain. The pain caused by osteoarthritis is due to inflammation in the worn and damaged joint. Inflamed joints also tend to ache in cold and humid weather, so pain caused by osteoarthritis increases during the winter months. Osteoporosis, also known as bone loss, is related to the structure of the bone, not the joints.

So, are most joint pains related to rheumatism or osteoarthritis?

We can say that in older people or in those who have experienced a specific accident, sports injury, etc., most joint pains are related to osteoarthritis.

What is the treatment for joint pain that increases during winter?

It depends on the underlying cause of the pain. If the cause is mostly osteoarthritis, the appropriate treatment methods include resting the joint, losing weight (especially for the knee), applying cold or hot, taking anti-inflammatory drugs, and physiotherapy. Surgery can only be considered in very severe cases. Therefore, those with complaints of osteoarthritis should consult a physiotherapy clinic. In severe rheumatic diseases, medication therapy is the priority. The treatment of rheumatic diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, SLE, and Behçet's disease is mostly carried out in rheumatology clinics. A physiotherapy specialist can easily distinguish which one your pain is caused by.