很少有科学证据支持斯诺等人的这种感受。关节疼痛表明天气变化这种说法听起来比较荒诞（不确定），但实际上可能有一定的道理。Bonita S. Libman，类风湿病专家，是佛蒙特大学（伯灵顿）的类风湿病学和临床免疫学的副教授，她说：“就尽力去研究这种现象而言，研究很稀少而且相互矛盾（不确定）。但是很多人确实感觉到天气影响到他们的症状”。Libman博士听说过的一些从前的研究表明，大气压力箱里的气压越低，人们越会感到周身疼痛。
Many people with arthritis swear by the pain in their joints as apredictor of rainy or cold weather. “I used to hear people complain all thetime that they knew rain was coming from the aching in their knees,” says PamSnow, 49, of Atlanta, who has arthritis. “And now I’m one of those people!”
Snow has osteoarthritis inboth knees. She typically managesher pain with exercise, diet, weight loss, and the occasionalover-the-counter pain relief, but when winter sets in, Snow faces an extraweather-related joint pain challenge. “I think it’s related to barometricpressure,” Snow says. “It definitely has made me more cognizant of theweather.”
There is very little scientific evidence to support Snow’s experience orthat of the many arthritis patientswho feel worse when the weather is frightful. “In terms of really trying toscientifically study it, [research] is rather sparse and contradictory,” saysrheumatologist Bonita S. Libman, MD, an associate professor of rheumatology andclinical immunology at the University of Vermont in Burlington. “A lot ofpeople do feel that weather affects their symptoms.”
In fact, she says there may be some truth to the old wives’ tale thataching joints indicate a change in weather. According to some old studies Dr.Libman heard about, people in barometric pressure chambers found that the lowerthe pressure, the more aches and pains they felt.
Though there’s not much scientific data to support the joint pain andweather connection, you canstill use these arthritis pain relief tips when your aching joints act up inwinter:
· Dresswarmly. If it’s cold outside, keep yourselfwarm with gloves over hands that ache and added layers over knees and legs.“I’m one of those people who loves to wear dresses and skirts,” says Snow, “sowhen it’s cold I also wear tights or leggings to stay warm.”
· Exerciseinside. A study published in the Journalof Physical Activity and Health that measured physical activity in 241adults with arthritis living in Chicago (a city known for its bitterly coldwinters) found that the amount of sedentary time increased by over three hoursbetween November and June. But while it's understandable to want to avoidwinter chill, people with joint pain should still stay active — and the bestway is with an indoor exercise plan. Snow has a treadmill and an ellipticaltrainer at home. Libman recommends walking the mall.
· Enjoy warmwater. Swimming in a heated pool is bothgreat exercise and soothing to joints. You can also get relief from warm baths.Just don’t go right out into the cold after your soak. Let your bodytemperature normalize a bit first.
· Supplementvitamin D. Being deficient in vitamin D might makeosteoarthritis worse, warns Libman. You are less likely to get enough vitamin Din the winter, so this is a good time to take a supplement or make sure yourdiet is vitamin D-rich.
· Stay safe. Particularly when the weather turns icy, people with arthritis needto protect their joints from further damage. If you’re going outside, picksolid, supportive shoes with good treads and try to walk on a surface thatdoesn’t look icy, advises Libman.
· Try aglucosamine-chondroitin supplement. Although there are noherbal supplements that have been proven to provide arthritis pain relief inclinical studies, Libman says some of her patients do report relief from thesesupplements. “What I tell my patients is, if you can afford to pay for it andyou want to give it a try, it seems to be a low-risk thing for pain,” she says.
· Add fishoil. “Omega-3 fatty acids do have some benefit becausethey seem to reduce the level of inflammation,” says Libman. You need about2,000 to 3,000 milligrams a day to get benefits. Make sure to let your doctorknow if you try omega-3s, as they can increase the risk of bruising orbleeding.
· TakeNSAIDs. Even if, like Snow, you prefer totreat your joint pain with lifestyle changes rather than medication, it’s okayto take an over-the-counter pain reliever when your joint pain is worse due tothe weather.
· Get amassage. Yes, you have permission to indulgeyourself. “A lot of what’s happening in terms of pain is, some is emanatingfrom the joint and some from the muscles around the joint,” explains Libman.Massage can help ease those cramped muscles.
· Go underthe needle. Acupuncture is another option forthose willing to consider non-traditional treatments. “It does seem patientsderive some benefit with regard to pain,” says Libman. You may need severalsessions to get the joint pain relief you seek.
So when your joints start to warn you of miserable weather ahead, plan atoasty warm schedule of indoor exercise, cozy clothing, and treats such asmassage to get through the oncoming cold spell.
