The rheumatologist emphasized the connection between wet weather and joint diseases

With high humidity and changes in atmospheric pressure, patients are more likely to complain of increased symptoms of diseases, primarily chronic inflammatory and degenerative. On October 19, Timur Yusupov, head of the therapeutic department of the Be Healthy clinic on Sushchevsky Val, rheumatologist, told Izvestia.

"Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis-related arthritis, as well as gout and systemic lupus erythematosus, become noticeable in autumn. People complain about old injuries to their joints and spine," he said.

There is a connection between wet weather and the well-being of people with joint diseases, and it is widespread, even if we do not fully understand all the physiological processes behind it, Timur Yusupov emphasizes.

In rainy weather, people, especially the elderly, have lower back pain and sore knees. From the point of view of a rheumatologist, there are several theories explaining this phenomenon.

"With a decrease in atmospheric pressure, which is often accompanied by rainy weather, the pressure in the joint cavity can also change. Joint tissues, especially in the presence of edema or inflammation, expand, exerting increased pressure on nerve endings and pain receptors, which is perceived as aching pain," the doctor commented.

In addition, according to Yusupov, in cold and wet weather, muscles reflexively strain to keep warm. This chronic muscle strain impairs blood circulation in the joints and spine, leading to an accumulation of metabolic products and increased pain.

"The psychological aspect also plays a role. Gloomy weather affects the psychoemotional state. As a result, the pain threshold decreases. A person becomes more susceptible to discomfort, and pre—existing pains are felt more acutely," he added.

Read more about the impact of wet weather on health in the Izvestia article.

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