Changing Weather and Knee Pain: It's Not Just an Old Wives' Tale

During this humid and cold period, many people clearly feel their knee joints becoming stiff and more painful. Some even say, 'Whenever the weather changes, my knees know it first.' Dr. Huang Xuan, a specialist in thoracic medicine and critical care, explains that humidity and cold are not just psychological effects, but genuinely impact the body through several physiological mechanisms. Dr. Huang explains that knee joint movement relies on 'joint lubrication fluid' that works like engine oil, reducing friction and ensuring smooth movement. When temperatures drop, the viscosity of this fluid increases, creating more resistance to movement. Many people feel their joints are 'stuck', especially when getting out of bed or going down stairs - initially painful, but improving with continued movement. Cold temperatures cause peripheral blood vessels to contract, reducing blood circulation around the knee. This reduces oxygen and nutrient delivery to the joint, slows inflammatory substance removal, and makes tissue repair feel 'frozen', making pain more pronounced. Regarding the belief that 'joints hurt before rain', Dr. Huang notes this relates to atmospheric pressure changes that stimulate nerve endings in already inflamed or injured joints, amplifying pain signals. Dr. Huang emphasizes that true knee care involves daily behaviors: providing appropriate warmth to maintain joint fluid circulation, doing light daily exercises, warming up before activity, adjusting intensity when experiencing pain, and managing body weight. Research shows that losing every 1 kilogram can reduce knee joint pressure by approximately 4 kilograms. Ultimately, Dr. Huang stresses that humid and cold weather doesn't immediately destroy joints. What truly accelerates joint deterioration is lack of movement, prolonged sitting, and over-relying on supplements. Real knee care isn't about what you consume, but ensuring consistent movement and maintaining circulation to preserve walking ability and long-term quality of life.