Naked Science Forum
Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: Charentaise on 03/12/2004 05:37:41
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Hello, I'm new, and heard about your site on Radio 5. Enjoyed your contribution, Dr Chris.
I've been wondering why damp weather seems to have an effect on one's joints as you get older? I'm a very active 67, and feel fine in winter when the weather is crisp and dry, but I seem to be able to forecast the onset of rain by about 18 hours by the way my joints (particularly knees and hips) are feeling. Also sites of old injuries seem to be affected. Any ideas, please? (I'm thinking of setting up in competition to the Met. Office!)
Judith
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Hello Judith, glad you enjoyed yesterday's radio science hour.
From the details you give, together with your age, it sounds as though you have a bit of osteoarthritis, which is age-related degeneration (sounds terrible doesn't it !) of joints. 100% of individuals have at least some osteoarthritis (OA) by the age of 60, so don't feel singled out.
Notably, people with OA find that their joints are stiffer to begin with and tend to loosen up as the day goes on. This is because exercise is actually good for the condition because it maintains the maximum range of movement possible through a joint, and preserves muscle strength.
Now you say that the problem tends to be worse on wet days. It could be that you are less active on days when the weather is getting bad, or about to rain, perhaps because you stay indoors and do less (maybe without realising it) and hence your joints remain stiffer ?
I can't think of any other obvious explanation, however.
And welcome to the forum, by the way !
Chris
"I never forget a face, but in your case I'll make an exception"
- Groucho Marx
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My nan used to have the same thing. I really don't know whats going on! unless the OA affected joints can pick up changes in air moisture or pressure. I doubt if its anything that you are doing different, as the pain starts before perceivable changes in weather occur. I'm guessing the joints are just much more senstive. I don't suppose any research is being done on this?
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Thanks for the messages, Dr Chris and Fishytails. You're right, Dr C., some OA showed up in my hips when I was being X-rayed for something quite different in the abdomen ... but I put the wear and tear down to lots of horse-riding and cycling.
Reassured to hear that your Nan had it, too, Fishytails, cos it means I'm not imagining it! And I'm always active on the days preceding the damp ones, so I don't think it's caused by immobility.
I did wonder if the moisture in the atmosphere had anything to do with it, though. After all, knees are sort of hinges, and doors squeak more in wet weather - or at least, those in my place do!
Any other ideas very welcome; meanwhile I'll perhaps get the oil can out. It might need something more than the cod liver oils caps. I take to be of some real help!
Judith
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mmm. Well, in that case, I can only think that it is the weather becoming colder, in anticipation of rain, that makes your joints stiffer.
Otherwise, I'm stuck !
Chris
"I never forget a face, but in your case I'll make an exception"
- Groucho Marx
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Chris, I remember when I broke my foot, for years later, when it was cold and damp, my foot hurt. Doesn't any more, but it took several years for the sensation to go away.
As far as the oil can, I hear that flannel soaked in castor oil, and applied to the joints with a heating pad is helpful. Old remedy from Edgar Cayce.
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works a treat until you slip over on the oil you've dropped and break your neck !
Chris
"I never forget a face, but in your case I'll make an exception"
- Groucho Marx
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Well, I reckon I might try the flannel soaked in castor oil treatment, Bezoar, taking Dr C's advice not to spill any oil in the process.
Thanks for mentioning Edgar Cayce; I hadn't heard of him so I Googled and found a lot of fascinating (and some rather weird)info. about him and his life and work. Not sure about the reincarnation, though ...
Judith
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I can't attest to anything that has to do with the afterlife, not having been there myself, but his cures, although untraditional, were apparently effective in their day.
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Well there is a synovial fluid in all synovial joints and that in old age that used to decrease and this leads to increase in joint friction and it cause joint pain there are many synthetic lubricating fluid which are injected in the joint and this will help you and will prevent the joint pain.