Changes in temperature and pressure during hot weather can cause cartilage in the joints to wear down more easily, reduce fluid around the joints due to dehydration, and increase the risk of joint stiffness.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Lua (78 years old), residing in Vinh Phuc province , was diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee three years ago. Thinking it was just an age-related ailment, she delayed treatment. Recently, with the intense heat, Ms. Lua has experienced sharp pain in her knee, with signs of swelling that affect her mobility. Her family reports that her joint pain occurs year-round but is most severe in winter. This is the first time she has experienced such frequent pain episodes in summer, making it difficult for her to walk and impairing her appetite.
According to Dr. Le Dinh Khoa, Head of the Joint Reconstruction Department at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, hot weather increases the risk of many diseases, including those related to joints. The hips, knees, and elbows all contain synovial fluid, a gel-like substance. Synovial fluid lubricates and keeps joints moving smoothly. When temperature and humidity change, the thickness of the synovial fluid increases, filling the joint and easily causing inflammation. The first symptom of weather-induced inflammation is joint stiffness and difficulty moving. This condition affects older adults more frequently.
In hot weather, the body loses water through sweating. This can reduce fluid around the joints and cause pain. Furthermore, hot weather makes people reluctant to go outside, leading to less physical activity, and joints that are less active are more prone to stiffness and pain.
Patients with osteoarthritis are directly affected by hot weather. Changes in air pressure increase the likelihood of cartilage erosion in the joints, and the sensory nerves in the joints constantly react, exacerbating the pain.
Older adults are more prone to joint pain when the weather changes. Photo: Freepik
According to Dr. Khoa, patients with rheumatoid arthritis often experience increased flare-ups in winter. However, the disease also significantly affects patients in summer. Using air conditioning all night and then going outside causes a sudden temperature change. This abrupt change triggers inflammatory flare-ups, causing joint pain.
"Drinking beer to quench thirst in the summer is a popular pastime for many people. This is also a major reason why joints are more affected. Alcohol and beer contain many calories and added sugar, increasing inflammation in the body, causing symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and joint stiffness," said Dr. Khoa.
Dr. Khoa also noted that bones need daily nutritional supplementation to function properly. If the weather is too hot, patients, especially the elderly, may be more picky eaters than usual. Eating too little or not consuming enough nutrients leads to a deficiency of essential nutrients for bone health. This is also a direct cause of bone and joint diseases such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.
To help joints feel more comfortable in the summer, Dr. Khoa advises people to adjust some lifestyle activities, including:
Drink plenty of water : Water and sports drinks help maintain fluid in the joints, allowing them to function more smoothly.
Clothing : Wear loose-fitting clothing made of natural fibers to allow your joints to move freely and comfortably.
Relax in the cool air : Stay indoors, adjust the air conditioner to a cool setting, and avoid a large temperature difference compared to the outside.
Exercise : Regularly move around to relax your joints. You should prioritize gentle exercises such as walking, swimming, and cycling. Remember to stay hydrated during exercise.
Anh Chi
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