Warmer weather can be particularly challenging for people with chronic conditions, and if you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you may notice your symptoms flaring up as temperatures rise. The summer heat doesn’t just make you sweat, it can also worsen joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, making it harder to manage your daily activities.
The team at Health Solutions provides comprehensive care and personalized treatment plans to help you manage your rheumatoid arthritis effectively. Knowing why heat aggravates RA symptoms can help you better manage your condition and find relief.
Heat can intensify the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. High temperatures can cause your body to become dehydrated more quickly, too, which can worsen inflammation and joint pain.
Dehydration reduces the body's ability to flush out toxins and inflammatory byproducts, leading to increased discomfort. Additionally, heat can cause blood vessels to dilate, which can increase blood flow to already inflamed areas, intensifying pain and swelling.
Fluctuations in barometric pressure can also affect RA symptoms. When the weather changes, the barometric pressure can drop, leading to an expansion of tissues and increased pressure on joints.
This can result in heightened pain and stiffness for people with rheumatoid arthritis. While barometric pressure changes can occur in any season, they’re often more pronounced during periods of extreme heat or humidity.
Increased physical activity can put additional stress on your joints. Many people become more active during the summer months, engaging in outdoor activities such as walking, gardening, or swimming.
While exercise is beneficial for maintaining joint health and overall mobility, overexertion can exacerbate RA symptoms. It's essential to balance activity with rest and avoid activities that strain your joints excessively.
Sweating during hot weather can lead to an imbalance of electrolytes in your body. Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium play a crucial role in muscle function and joint health. An imbalance can lead to muscle cramps, increased joint pain, and overall discomfort.
The discomfort and fatigue associated with hot weather can wear on you emotionally, causing stress and frustration. Stress is a common trigger for flare-ups in rheumatoid arthritis. It affects the body's immune response and increases inflammation.
Managing stress through relaxation techniques, adequate rest, and seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional can help reduce the impact of emotional stress on your RA symptoms.
Wearing lightweight, breathable clothing and avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun can also help keep symptoms in check.
If you’re struggling with worsening rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in the heat, contact us today to schedule a consultation at one of our four locations in Tinley Park, Rockford, and Olympia Fields, Illinois, and Munster, Indiana. Your health and well-being are our top priorities, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
