Does heat affect joints?

Changes in temperature and pressure in hot weather cause cartilage in joints to wear away easily, reduce fluid around joints due to dehydration, and increase the risk of joint stiffness.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Lua (78 years old), living in Vinh Phuc , was diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis 3 years ago. Because she thought it was an old age disease, she delayed treatment. In recent days, when the heat wave hit, Ms. Lua felt sharp pain in her knee, with signs of swelling that affected her walking. Her family said that Ms. Lua's joint pain appeared all year round but was most severe in winter. This was the first time the pain was so intense in the summer, making it difficult for her to walk and eat well.

According to MSc. Dr. Le Dinh Khoa, Head of Joint Reconstruction Department, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, hot weather increases the risk of many diseases, including diseases related to joints. The hips, knees, and elbows all have synovial fluid, a gel-like fluid inside. Synovial fluid acts as a lubricant, keeping the joints moving smoothly. When the temperature and humidity change, the thickness of the synovial fluid increases, filling the joints, causing inflammation. The first symptom of inflammation due to the weather is stiff joints and difficulty moving. This condition affects older people more.

In hot weather, the body also loses water through sweating. This can reduce the fluid around the joints and cause pain. In addition, hot weather makes people afraid to go out, less active, joints with little or no activity are easily stiff, leading to pain.

People with osteoarthritis are directly affected by the heat. Changes in air pressure increase the possibility of cartilage erosion in the joints, and the sensory nerves in the joints constantly react, increasing the pain.

Older people are prone to joint pain when the weather changes. Photo: Freepik — Older people are prone to joint pain when the weather changes. Photo: *Freepik*

According to Dr. Khoa, rheumatoid arthritis patients often see an increase in flare-ups in the winter. However, this disease also affects patients in the summer. Using air conditioning all night, then going outside causes a temperature difference. This sudden change is a factor that stimulates flare-ups, causing bone and joint pain.

"Drinking beer to quench thirst in the summer is a popular pastime for many people. This is also the reason why joints are more affected. Alcohol and beer contain a lot of calories and added sugar, increasing inflammation in the body, causing symptoms of pain, fatigue, and stiffness in the joints," said Dr. Khoa.

Doctor Khoa also noted that bones need to be supplemented with nutrients every day to function properly. If the heat is too intense, patients, especially the elderly, may be more picky eaters than usual. Eating too little or not eating enough leads to a lack of nutrients necessary for bones. This is also a direct cause of bone and joint diseases such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis...

To help bones and joints feel more comfortable in the summer, Dr. Khoa recommends people adjust some lifestyle activities, including:

Drink enough water : Water and sports drinks help maintain fluid in the joints, helping them function more smoothly.

Clothing : Wear loose-fitting clothing made of natural fibers that allow joints to move freely and comfortably.

Relax in the cool air : Indoors, set the air conditioner to cool and keep the temperature difference between outside and inside not too high.

Exercise : Exercise regularly to relax your joints. You should prioritize light exercises such as walking, swimming, cycling. Remember to drink water when exercising.

Mr. Chi

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