We’ve all heard the old saying that grandpa can predict a snowstorm just by the ache in his knees. While it sounds like an old wives’ tale, there is actually real science behind it. For any one of our patients at Syracuse Podiatry dealing with arthritis in the feet or ankles, winter isn’t just a change of season, but one of increased stiffness and deep, throbbing aches. Curious how this works? Let’s find out.

Air Pressure

The biggest culprit isn’t actually the temperature; it’s the air pressure. Winter storms usually ride in on low-pressure systems, which your body is surprisingly sensitive to, and the weight of the atmosphere pressing against it. When barometric pressure drops, there is less pressure pushing against your body tissues.

This allows tissues to expand slightly. In a healthy joint, you wouldn’t even notice this microscopic expansion.

But in an arthritic foot or ankle, the joint capsule is already inflamed and tight. And that tiny expansion is enough to create increased pressure inside the confined space of the joint and push against sensitive nerves. This is why your ankle might start throbbing before the snow even starts falling.

Synovial Fluid

Your joints are lubricated by a substance called synovial fluid. Think of it like the motor oil in your car: it’s supposed to be slick and slippery to help bones glide smoothly over one another.

However, just like motor oil thickens up in freezing temperatures, synovial fluid becomes thicker when your feet get cold.

Because your feet are the furthest point from your heart, they get colder faster than any other body part. As the synovial fluid thickens into a sludge-like consistency, the joint loses its smooth glide. This leads to that rusty hinge feeling of stiffness, friction, and resistance every time you try to rotate your ankle or bend your toes.

The Pain Threshold

Cold weather also plays tricks on your nervous system. Low temperatures can make nerve endings more sensitive, which means the pain signals sent to your brain are amplified.

An ache that might register as 3 out of 10 on a warm summer day might feel like a 6 out of 10 when you are walking across a freezing parking lot. The cold literally lowers your threshold for pain.

Inactivity

In the summer, people are naturally more active, and motion is lotion for arthritic joints, as movement cycles the synovial fluid and keeps joints loose.

This inactivity allows the joints to stiffen up, which makes that first movement after sitting on the couch significantly more painful.

Stick around for part 2, where we’ll explain what to do about it!

For advice related to any podiatric concerns you’re facing, the expert team at Syracuse Podiatry is here to help guide you. Contact us today so Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Donal M. Erickson, Dr. Keith Sherman, and Dr. Nicholas Cronin can elevate your foot health and help your feet feel their best.