12/05/2025
Why Cold Weather Makes Joint Pain Worse
If your knees, hips, or shoulders ache more when the temperature drops, you’re not imagining it. Many adults especially those over 50 feel increased stiffness and pain during Buffalo’s cold winter months.
📍Here’s why cold weather affects your joints:
1. Joint Fluid Thickens in Lower Temperatures
Cold weather slows circulation and thickens synovial fluid, the lubricant inside your joints.
Thicker fluid = stiffer, more painful movement.
2. Barometric Pressure Drops
Before snow or rain, atmospheric pressure falls, allowing joint tissues to expand.
That expansion increases pain for people with arthritis or inflammation.
3. Muscles Tighten in the Cold
Cold muscles lose flexibility and put more stress on your joints — especially knees and hips.
4. Inflammation Becomes More Noticeable
Because circulation slows in the cold, your body is less effective at clearing inflammation.
This leads to:
-morning stiffness
-aching joints
-slower movement
-increased swelling
5. People Move Less in Winter
Shorter days and freezing temperatures lead to less activity, causing:
-weaker muscles
-stiffer joints
-increased pain
Motion truly is lotion for the joints.
Most Common Joints That Hurt in Cold Weather...
-Knees
-Hips
-Shoulders
-Hands and fingers
-Lower back
These areas have high mobility and high stress, making them sensitive to pressure and temperature changes.
How Buffalo Arthritis & Joint Pain Center Helps Winter Joint Pain
Cold weather increases inflammation — but you don’t have to live with constant stiffness and discomfort.
Our non-surgical treatments help:
-reduce swelling inside the joints
-improve circulation
-support cartilage health
-restore mobility
-decrease morning stiffness
-increase comfort during winter activity
Many patients report they move easier, sleep better, and feel more confident walking in winter conditions after beginning care.
