Being newly diagnosed and facing uncertainty is genuinely tough — it's completely okay to feel confused right now. Hang in there while the tests do their thing!
Feeling cold or experiencing chills is something many people with rheumatoid arthritis relate to. A myRAteam member once asked, "Does anyone ever feel like inside Show Full Answer
Being newly diagnosed and facing uncertainty is genuinely tough — it's completely okay to feel confused right now. Hang in there while the tests do their thing!
Feeling cold or experiencing chills is something many people with rheumatoid arthritis relate to. A myRAteam member once asked, "Does anyone ever feel like inside your bones are ice cold, followed by sharp pains?" — and many others said yes, especially at night or in colder weather. There are a few reasons why RA can cause cold sensations and pain:
- Joint inflammation — RA affects the lining of the joints, which can cause various sensations
- Cold weather — It can thicken the fluid in your joints, making pain and discomfort worse
- Genes — Some genes that increase inflammation are more active in colder temperatures
- Structural changes — RA can cause bones and surrounding tissues to wear down over time
Some helpful ways to manage these sensations include:
- Staying warm with blankets or a space heater
- Keeping your vitamin D levels up
- Using over-the-counter pain relief like Tylenol for breakthrough discomfort
- Working with your rheumatologist to find the right treatment plan
It's really worth mentioning the chills and cold sensations to your rheumatologist so they can factor that into your care.
July 12