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A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Hopatcong, NJ

Does the weather truly affect your RA? I never really believed this but I've been feeling so good for 1-2 mths and now it's been rainy and cold and the last three days have been brutal :(

March 31, 2017
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Answer Summary

Members overwhelmingly confirmed that weather changes significantly impact their rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, with many describing... Read more

Members overwhelmingly confirmed that weather changes significantly impact their rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, with many describing themselves as human barometers who can predict weather fronts days in advance through increased joint pain and swelling. Several members shared that cold, damp, and rainy conditions trigger the most severe flares, while extreme heat can also cause problems, though opinions varied on whether dry or humid climates provide more relief. A recurring theme was the dream of relocating to warmer, drier climates like the southwestern United States, with some members noting that doctors have actually recommended moving west to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms more effectively.

A myRAteam Member

Yes. When the barometer drops, my joints swell.

April 1, 2017
A myRAteam Member

God yes it does,i can cope with cold days sunny days,the sun makes me feel brighter. Damp weather makes me ache as it is doing this morning as we are getting rain today,my fingers hurt this morning and my back well the less said about that the better. I don't mind warm sunny weather,but when we get the heatwave i suffer. The first time i noticed it was after we went to Spain and they had a very hot heatwave 42 degrees and my knees kept giving way and when we got back i told my rheumy nurse about this and she said the extreme heat has the same effect as the extreme cold and the speed at which it goes.xxxx

March 31, 2017
A myRAteam Member

Absolutely weather affects RA!! Personally i enjoy the heat here in the south. Humidity seems to be better for me than dryness. Also cold is horrible to my joints. I can not tolerate cold temps at all anymore!!

February 1, 2020
A myRAteam Member

weather does effect ra

April 2, 2017
A myRAteam Member

The weather sure does affect RA!!!!!!!!!

April 1, 2017

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