Does the weather affect arthritis?

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - You don't need to be a meteorologist to tell the weather... at least that's what some folks who have arthritis say. 

Fortunately, our meteorologists won't have anything to worry about.  We spoke with Doctor Leslie Swartz-Williams at Lutheran, and she says there is only a little truth to this once thought wives tale.She says she hears this from her patients all the time. 

Some claim they feel more pain when storms move through, others when there is a big change in temperature. 

Most people who feel this pain will say that a change in pressure is the culprit.  It's thought that when the pressure drops, the joints will become more inflamed and cause the additional pain. 

However, there is some evidence that other factors can cause pain as well.  Some studies have shown that changes in humidity or temperature can also cause discomfort.

There have been a few studies done on this subject.  Unfortunately, there isn't enough concrete evidence to say for sure what is causing the increase in pain. 

Some studies show that it was a change in pressure, while some have found that humidity plays a role.  Some people will also feel the pain at different times. 

Some may feel pain before the weather change happens, some after.  Everyone will respond to the changes differently.

Either way, Doctor Swartz-Williams says to treat the pain like you normally would as prescribed by your doctor.  She also recommends to stay properly hydrated.

Want to see if there will be any big weather shifts?  Click HERE for our latest forecast.