Arthritis - Pain may increase in autumn
Author Dr. Flórián Szeles | 2022.10.19.
Do you also experience worsening arthritis symptoms in autumn? It's not uncommon for the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis to fluctuate, meaning that there are times when the symptoms are very mild, and other times when it's difficult to stand up and walk. What are the symptoms of arthritis? Why can the symptoms get worse in autumn? Who can you go to for an accurate diagnosis? How can arthritis be treated effectively? Read our article to find out.
What are the symptoms of arthritis?
The symptoms of arthritis can affect different joints in the body. For example, rheumatic complaints often occur in the knees, shoulders, hips and fingers. It may occur in a single joint, but several parts of the body may be affected at the same time. The first symptom is pain. In addition, the affected part of the body often becomes red, swollen, stiff, and may also develop fever or, in more severe cases, heat. Loss of function of the inflamed joint is also common, for example, it may be harder to bend the leg or to grip and lift objects. Fatigue and weakness may also accompany the symptoms.
Does the pain really intensify in autumn?
There are several possible causes of arthritis. For example, autoimmune processes, where cells of the immune system attack the joint. It can also be caused by metabolic problems, bacterial infections or overwork. Arthritis is therefore not a consequence of the cold autumn weather, but some people find that their symptoms are more severe. Coincidence plays a big part, but what else could be behind it?
If you haven't exercised much in the hot summer and start doing more sports or hiking in the autumn, it's easy to overexert yourself. This can aggravate the symptoms of arthritis.
In autumn, the weather can be very changeable: warm, sweltering weather can turn into windy, cold weather in as little as ten minutes. If there is a sudden cooling, muscles can tighten, muscles can cramp and blood vessels can constrict. This can aggravate rheumatological complaints.
Overcast, dark days become more frequent as autumn sets in. For many people, this can lead to low moods and increased anxiety symptoms. This can easily lead to muscle tension, which can aggravate arthritis symptoms. At the same time, when someone is stressed and anxious, their ability to tolerate pain can be reduced, making them feel more affected by rheumatic symptoms.
Frontal movements become more frequent in autumn. Cold fronts increase air pressure, which can increase pain in already inflamed joints.
Complaints investigation - a solution in rheumatology
What should you do if your joint pains increase in autumn or if new rheumatological symptoms appear during this period? It is advisable to see a specialist rheumatologist who can help you determine whether symptoms of a long-standing complaint have intensified or whether a new lesion has developed. In the case of new symptoms, the rheumatologist will diagnose the underlying disease.
Accurate diagnosis, with a specialist rheumatologist
To investigate the origin of rheumatic musculoskeletal complaints, it is recommended to consult a specialist rheumatologist. At the Budapest Musculoskeletal Private Clinic, we can provide you with a specialist rheumatology examination within 19 hours in an emergency. The specialist clinic is available seven days a week. There is no waiting time and you will be seen by our doctor at the time you specify.
The first step in a rheumatological examination is to take a medical history. As part of this, the rheumatologist will ask the patient about their current and past arthritis symptoms, when the problem first started, under what circumstances, what time of day the pain is most severe, and what diseases the patient or their family history includes. Any operations and medicines taken will also be discussed.
A physical examination is then carried out by a rheumatologist. He or she will examine the affected part of the body and then palpate it to check joint function. In many cases this may be enough to make a diagnosis, but in some cases the rheumatologist will order further tests. For example, laboratory tests, X-rays, ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may be necessary.
On the basis of the tests, the rheumatologist will make a diagnosis and propose a personalised treatment plan, using the most modern and effective treatment methods.
How can joint pain be treated?
Arthritis is mostly treated conservatively. If there is an underlying autoimmune process or metabolic disease, treatment is also important for recovery.
An important aspect of treating arthritis is to reduce or eliminate pain and inflammation. To do this, the rheumatologist may prescribe anti-inflammatory tablets or ointments. For more severe, persistent pain, the rheumatologist may also recommend steroid injections.
Recovery can be greatly aided by physiotherapy, which has physiotherapy as its core element, and can be complemented by a range of other treatments. Physiotherapy under the guidance of a physiotherapist can help to reduce pain, increase joint range of motion, strengthen muscles and restore lost joint function.
The rheumatologist and physiotherapist may also recommend lifestyle advice. For example, regular exercise, adapted to the patient's condition, can greatly improve the symptoms of arthritis and rheumatological diseases.