Psoriatic Arthritis and Seasonal Changes

I love living in New England, where I experience all four seasons. Winters are snowy and intense, spring is a welcome relief, summers are hot and sunny, and fall brings the most beautiful colors to nature.

But the ever-changing weather isn’t something my psoriatic arthritis (PsA) appreciates. Living with an unpredictable autoimmune disease is challenging, but it’s even more complicated when your environment is constantly changing. As the seasons change, so do my symptoms.

I’ve often been told how I should consider moving to Arizona for the steady, dry heat. And people are likely right that my joints would be happier there.

But the Northeast is my home, so I’ve had to learn to adapt. There are two parts I try to understand when adapting for the source of the pain: the lifestyle change that comes with the seasons and the science behind the weather. Understanding both helps me know how to tackle each symptom.

Your experiences may differ depending on where you live, but here’s what it has been like for me.

You know what they say about how April showers bring May flowers. But in addition to flowers, April showers can also bring a lot of joint pain. 

You might have heard that people with arthritis can tell when the rain is coming because their joints start acting up. It might not just be a made-up saying. My joints don’t like the rain and always ache on rainy days—I now know a lot of people with arthritis feel the same.

Why the Rain May Hurt

My doctor explained to me a theory as to why rainy weather may worsen my arthritis: Rainy, wet weather is usually associated with low barometric (air) pressure. The low pressure on the joints causes tissues to swell, leading to pain. Research on whether weather actually plays a role and, if so, how it does is mixed. Whatever the science may say, I know I feel it.

Rainy weather also tends to keep me cooped up indoors, so I’m less likely to get up and stretch.

However, spring isn’t all doom and gloom. While the rain can irritate joints, the warmer temperature makes them feel better. And it feels great to put away the snow boots and heavy coats and start to go for more walks outside again, which makes my hips feel better.

Ways To Handle Air Pressure Changes

When it’s rainy in the spring, I do my best not to leave the house. The pressure in my well-sealed home is usually better than the air outside. I also try not to open the door much because even that slight change in air pressure can trigger my arthritis. I rarely dealt with rainy day pain when I lived in an apartment because no one was opening the door directly to the outside.

When I do go out, it’s time for compression. Compression socks, gloves, and even garments can be so comforting. The extra pressure around painful, swollen joints helps. Plus, they keep me warm during those deceivingly chilly spring days, keeping me from getting too stiff.

As a kid, I loved summer break. I spent the entire summer by the pool or on my bike. But as an adult, it’s not always my favorite. While I love the warmth and stay active during the summer with swimming and gardening, everything seems more irritating now. From the sun to the return of all the bugs, there’s always something that can make me uncomfortable.

Why the Summer Is So Irritating

Heat can be helpful for PsA. For instance, I love my heating pads during flare-ups. But too much heat can make me swell, which can be really uncomfortable. It can also rain more in the summer, which brings a lot of pain. I tend to spend a fair amount of time inside, enjoying the air conditioning.

The summer also brings a lot of random triggers for me, such as bug bites and sunburns. I’ve found that anything that can bring on more inflammation can irritate my PsA. I always get a flare-up after my first round of mosquito bites.

How To Handle the Warmest Season

First and foremost, stay hydrated. Dehydration can increase joint and overall body pain and cause fatigue. Also, wear protective clothing and sunblock to protect your skin since getting a burn can trigger a skin flare-up.

My pain always lessens when I’m more active (after the initial hump of getting back in shape, that is). I try to take advantage of any opportunity to be active in the summer. Swimming is a great activity—taking a dip in the cool water can help ease joint swelling, and it’s an excellent low-impact exercise for your joints.

Additionally, take care when it comes to bugs. I am a mosquito magnet, so I try to avoid areas with many mosquitoes. Unfortunately, I live near a wooded pond. The things that have helped keep my yard (somewhat) bug-free include spraying the yard with cedar oil for an eco-friendly pesticide, using fans when sitting outdoors, and dumping out any standing water.

Everyone loves autumn—cozy harvest vibes, spooky Halloween decorations, and pumpkin spice lattes. And finally, the intense heat of the summer is over. It’s a time to get outside and enjoy nature.

But change is in the air! The chilly mornings can make morning stiffness worse. Not to mention, the closer we get to winter, the rainier and colder it gets. It can be hard to adjust to these two factors.

Why Changes Can Hurt

Fall is an interesting adjustment for me. It may or may not affect you as badly. The weather is starting to get a little more chilly and damp, and the shift in temperature can be jarring after enjoying a warm summer. Personally, my joints don’t appreciate the chilly mornings, and I tend to wake up stiffer. It’s not the worst time for me, arthritis-wise, but I definitely still feel it.

Healthwise, colds and coughs start to come around again. Getting sick can make arthritis symptoms feel worse and cause flare-ups. My first cold always lands me in a flare-up.

How To Handle This In-Between Time

Fall is that weird time when you dress warmly in the morning and then remove layers throughout the day as the temperature rises. While this may seem annoying, it’s actually the perfect way to dress. Hot and cold can be comforting for joints affected by PsA, so layers mean you can adjust as needed. Most of the time, my joints feel better when kept warm. But cooling down also helps when I have swelling.

My joints often flare up whenever I’m sick, and it can take a while for them to calm down. Fall is when a lot of seasonal illnesses start going around. And so, beginning in the fall and continuing through the winter, I’m extra cautious about avoiding getting sick. The fall is a good time to practice hand hygiene, stock up on cold remedies and cleaning supplies, and consider getting a flu shot.

Winter can be a beautiful time of year, especially if you live somewhere where it snows. I love the holiday season and all the cheer it brings. And even after all the festivities are over, there are still some fun winter activities to participate in.

But the cold, snow, and ice can be tough for anyone to endure, especially people with PsA. It’s a time when most people stay indoors and become less active. Not to mention, flu season is in full swing, which is always a worrying time since I use biologics.

Why the Chill Hurts

I’ve heard that many people with arthritis feel a lot of pain in the winter. New England gets storms that bring low pressure throughout the year, but intense, low-pressure storms are a constant in the winter. So, in the winter, we’re dealing with snow, sleet, and rain!

Even without snow, the drop in temperature alone can be brutal. When I feel cold, I usually tense up, leading to stiff joints.

I recently experienced a cold snap on a trip to Florida, and I wasn’t prepared for it despite my hometown being colder. I was in so much pain from holding my joints and all my muscles so stiffly. Anytime I tried to be active, I felt like I was pulling my muscles.

Ways To Handle the Cold

Ultimately, keeping warm helps me a lot in the winter. I try to find ways to stay active indoors. I like going to the gym and walking around the mall.

Wear layers for insulation when you are out. I learned quickly during my Florida vacation that multiple layers make a big difference—a pair of fleece pajama pants under my sweatpants was a lifesaver!

Wear the right gear if you’re heading out in snowy or icy conditions. Wear good boots with good traction to prevent falls, since injuries are more likely to make you have a flare-up. (Last winter was miserable after I slipped on the black ice and fell on my hip.) Invest in snow pants and insulating mittens for outdoor activities to keep your joints warm.

My husband and I love winter activities like snowshoeing, tubing, and going to snow festivals. They’re great ways to keep active during the dark, cold time. But because we have the right gear, we’re never cold during these activities.

Of course, the best thing you can do all year round is try to keep your PsA under control. Using any medications or therapies on a regular schedule goes a long way. If you need to set a phone reminder or use a calendar to remember to take any medication, do it.

Keeping up with your disease management can be especially helpful when you’re weathering a change in the season. For me, nothing hurts worse than missing a dose at the start of a rainy period.