Oh, those aching joints | Corewell Health

Have you ever felt like those aching knees and joints could predict a change in the weather?

Maybe. But don’t expect a detailed report like the one at 6 p.m.

Technically, when barometric pressure drops, it can affect the lubricating fluid in your joints, said Matt Axtman, DOsports medicine specialist with Corewell Health Medical Group Orthopedics.

But that’s about where the weather connection ends.

To truly understand arthritis and how it affects the body, you need to examine exactly what it is, Dr. Axtman said.

It is simply a wear and tear of the cartilage or protective covering around the joints.

“The cartilage that covers your joints is like the treads of your car tires,” Dr. Axtman said. “Arthritis is a wear and tear on this coating. As this protective covering becomes thinner or less smooth, it causes the joints to become inflamed. This can then lead to pain and discomfort.

The good news is that there are ways to help relieve pain or even delay the onset of illness.

The young, the old

Although arthritis has become more common in recent years, it is a mistake to think that it only affects older people.

“Arthritis can affect people of any age, depending on their weight, genetics, or injury,” Dr. Axtman said. “But most of the time it affects older people.”

It is sometimes genetic, affecting people who have a family history of the disease. An injury can also lead to arthritis, even if the injury happened 20 or more years ago.

Being overweight can also increase the likelihood of developing this condition.

There is a clear difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, Dr. Axtman said.

Osteoarthritis, the wearing down of joint cartilage, usually occurs over time.

Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, involves the body attacking the joints. The body perceives the joints as something foreign and attacks them, causing inflammation and pain, Dr. Axtman said.

It can happen at any age and it’s often genetic.

Keep moving on

The best treatment for arthritis? Low impact exercises such as cycling, swimming, weight lifting and walking.

“These are the mainstays for treating arthritis,” Dr. Axtman said.

Anti-inflammatory drugs such as acetaminophen can help. A doctor may also provide an injection, such as a steroid or lubricant injection.

A knee brace can help improve things for sore knees, but for arthritis in the shoulders, there is no good option for a brace.

Using ice or heat can help combat symptoms, although there is no hard and fast rule on which method to use. It’s a matter of personal choice.

Physical therapy, even for a short time, can help maintain range of motion and joint strength, Dr. Axtman said. It’s also a good opportunity to learn exercises that can be done all year round.

And while there’s no way to completely avoid arthritis if you’re already prone, certain precautions can help delay the onset.

For starters, it’s important to maintain a healthy weight and eat a proper diet, Dr. Axtman said.

Diet plays an important role in your body’s inflammatory responses. The Mediterranean Dietwhich is rich in healthy fats, carotenoids, flavonoids, spices and herbs, has been proven to help fight inflammation.

Regular exercise can help maintain healthy muscle structure around each joint. Any type of movement will help the body’s natural fluids to lubricate the joints.

“Exercise will be beneficial in trying to prevent arthritis from developing, but no matter what you do, even the strongest athletes can eventually develop arthritis,” Dr. Axtman said.