Why do my joints hurt when the weather changes?

Being outside and getting active is something many of us enjoy. But if you experience joint pain, it can set you back. Knäsmärta after running, shoulder pain from playing summer sports, or aches and pains after a day at the beach - deck chairs, walking in flip flops, and running after the kids can all take their toll - is far from fun.

And curiously, it isn’t just the cold and damp associated with winter weather that might increase your risk of joint or back pain after exercise or movement. The summer weather can play havoc with your joints, too. 

The joints are made up of bone, soft tissues - including muscles, tendons, and ligaments - and cushioning cartilage. Joint pain is caused by swelling, inflammation, tissue damage, mechanical stress, or wear and tear to one or more of these tissues. 

Being more active puts your joints under more stress, making them more vulnerable to injury. If you notice that your joints hurt more when the weather changes, you’re not alone. But when does joint pain become serious? How long does joint pain last, and when should you get it checked out? 

Common symptoms of joint pain

Any joint can be affected by pain and discomfort, but the most commonly affected joints are the shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, and ankles.

Acute vs. chronic pain: what’s the difference?

Some joint pain comes on gradually, while other types start suddenly. 

Chronic joint pain usually starts off mild, gets progressively worse, and tends to linger - it’s common for chronic pain to last between three and six months. It can be difficult to treat, with symptoms that come and go over time.

Acute joint pain comes on suddenly and is often severe, serving as a warning of a specific injury that needs to be addressed. It tends to respond well to treatment, resolves when the underlying cause is addressed, and is typically short-lived compared to chronic pain. 

Which joints and soft tissues are most vulnerable?

You may also experience lower back pain due to travel, carrying a heavy suitcase, poor posture while relaxing in the sun, or sitting on uncomfortable outdoor seating or moving heavy furniture during a house redecoration or spring clean.

Why it happens: the science behind weather and joint pain

Not only do the summer months mean you might find your joints hurting from being more active, but the weather plays a part, too. Heat and humidity cause the soft tissues to expand, especially when you’re active. This can lead to swelling and increased inflammation, worsening a pre-existing injury. 

Collagen and synovial fluid keep the joints lubricated, but they need water to do this. If you’re dehydrated due to the heat, your joints may become less supple, leading to friction and discomfort within the joint spaces. 

Air (barometric) pressure also plays a role in joint pain. Air pressure changes coincide with weather changes. When a cold front moves in - as is often the case in UK summers - air pressure drops, and it’s thought this may affect soft tissues, causing them to expand, putting pressure on the joints, causing pain. 

Common summer joint injuries 

Extra activity during the summer can lead to the following musculoskeletal conditions, which may be made worse by heat, humidity. and changes in air pressure. 

Knee injuries

• ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tears, caused by twisting and sudden stops or direction changes during sports such as tennis and football.

• Patellofemoral pain syndrome - or runner’s knee - an overuse injury that affects the kneecap.

• Iliotibial band syndrome, an overuse injury common in runners that affects the outer side of the knee joint. 

• Patellar tendinitis - or jumper’s knee - that affects the area below the kneecap. 

• Meniscus tears and other types of cartilage damage caused by twisting and excessive force, such as during football and rugby. 

• Bursitis, a painful swelling of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions the joint, caused by repetitive motions. 

Shoulder injuries

• Förskjutning caused by falling heavily onto the joint.

• Rotator cuff injuries, usually the result of overuse in sports like tennis, swimming and cricket.

Elbow injuries

• Tennisarmbåge, caused by a variety of activities involving use of the elbow, including playing tennis.

• Golfer’s elbow, caused caused by a variety of activities involving use of the elbow, including playing golf. 

Lower leg, ankle, and foot injuries

• Medial tibial stress syndrome, or shin splints, caused by long-distance running in unsupportive footwear or on hard surfaces.

• Plantar fasciit that affects the arch of the foot and the heel, often linked to a sudden increase in activity, such as running. 

• Ankle sprains, caused by rolling the foot during exercise, such as running, trail running, and football, or while wearing unsupportive footwear. 

• Achillestendinopati, pain that affects the heel and is often linked to an increase in exercise.

Red flags: when should you see a doctor?

If your joint pain is mild and isn’t affecting your day-to-day activities, resting the area and taking a break from exercise may help.

Your doctor or musculoskeletal specialist will ask you some questions about your symptoms and feel around your joint. They may also refer you for a scan.

Which scans can help?

MRIs, ultrasounds, and X-rays are used to assess joint pain. 

MRI scans are best for imaging soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. They’re excellent for diagnosing sports injuries and conditions such as a torn meniscus, a rotator cuff tear, and a damaged ACL. 

Ultrasound scans provide real-time imaging of the soft tissues. Faster and more accessible than an MRI, they’re useful for diagnosing inflammation, fluid build-up, and bursitis. 

X-rays are best for scanning the bones and are used to highlight stress fractures, breaks, and abnormal bone growth. 

How to get a scan

Waiting lists for NHS scans are getting longer, and you might be put off speaking to your doctor about getting a scan. Private scans are a quicker route to answers, and at Scan.com, you can book a private MRI scan without a GP referral. Private ultrasounds and X-rays are also available without a referral. With 250 UK-wide clinics, appointments are usually available within a week, and you’ll receive your results within a few days.