There are more than 200 types of arthritis and rheumatic disease, and more than seven million people in the UK suffering with long-term health problems due to these conditions. The suggested effect of the weather on arthritic and rheumatic patients is said to be one of the best-documented influences of the weather on health. Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the oldest and most common forms of joint disease. It is thought to be caused by wear and tear of the joints, which damages the joint surfaces and causes pain on movement, most often affecting the knees, fingers, hips, neck and lower back. Risk factors

There are many factors that can cause OA. Although age is a risk factor, research has shown that OA is not an inevitable part of ageing. However, OA is more common and severe in women. Being overweight also increases the chances of developing OA, as can previous damage to the joint either through surgery or injury. Finally, genetics has a role to play in the development of OA, particularly in the hands. However, this is a relatively small role compared with the other factors described above.

Rain and pain

While they may never rival the expertise of a professional meteorologist, many arthritic patients believe that they can predict the weather. Often, their symptoms develop a pattern whereby the pain worsens prior to the onset of certain weather conditions. Between 50 and 90% of people with OA or rheumatoid arthritis are thought to be sensitive to a rise in humidity levels coupled with low pressure associated with approaching rain, explaining why many OA patients feel they can predict wet weather.

According to the Arthritis Research Campaign, studies looking at the relationship between these weather conditions and arthritis have not been able to demonstrate any concrete connection. However, the fact that many arthritic patients feel an increase in pain during damp, cold weather is, of course, of great importance to the individual concerned.

Scientific research

Research into the association between weather and arthritis has varied greatly. A study by Dr Hollander in the 1960s found that, in a significant number of cases, patients could detect a rise in humidity and fall in barometric pressure from unpleasant feelings in their joints. These patients were contained in a tall, windowless building that was climate controlled so that no-one could tell what the weather was like outside.

In the 1980s in Saskatoon, Canada, Sibley conducted a study of 70 patients: 50% with OA and 50% with rheumatoid arthritis. The participants graded their arthritis each day for a month. Twice-daily records of local weather conditions (wind speed, barometric pressure, cloud cover, temperature and relative humidity) were supplied by Environment Canada. From the results, Sibley concluded that his study failed to confirm an effect of weather on arthritic symptoms, but accepted that alternative measurements of the disease activity might correlate with weather, so the possible relationship between the weather and symptoms could not be excluded.

A study at the University of Tel Aviv in 1987 asked 62 patients suffering with varying forms of arthritis to record the severity of their pain and swelling, and their ability to be active each day over a one-month period. Of the OA patients, 83% experienced an increase in their symptoms due to a change in the weather, suggesting that temperature, rain and barometric pressure positively affects the pain experienced by OA sufferers.

In 1997, Aikman studied 25 arthritic patients whose pain and rigidity levels were self-categorised on a questionnaire four times a day. The results showed that lower temperatures and higher relative humidity are associated with increased pain and rigidity. However, it was noted that the symptoms could be influenced by a variety of other factors, such as medication, hormonal changes and participant behaviour. Aikman suggested that a further study over a year would yield more-sensitive results. This could then be used to investigate the existence of an association between the weather and arthritis more accurately.

Additional factors

As Aikman discovered, there are many additional factors other than the weather that can affect the levels of suffering for people with OA. Dr J S Lawrence, for example, talks about the significance of the immediate surroundings of the individual, at home, work or at play. So OA sufferers should not only concern themselves with living in warm, dry conditions, but should also concentrate on living a happy, contented lifestyle.

For more information, e-mail health@metoffice.gov.uk.

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