If you live with osteoarthritis, you may notice your joints start to feel stiffer, more swollen, or downright painful as temperatures drop. You’re not imagining it—winter weather can intensify arthritis symptoms, especially in weight-bearing joints like the knees or hips, or excessive movement joints like elbows and shoulders.
At Jonathan L. Glashow, MD Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine, with offices in New York City and Miami Beach, we understand how seasonal changes affect joint health. That’s why we offer cutting-edge, individualized treatments to help you stay active and pain-free—no matter the forecast.
Why Does Osteoarthritis Hurt More in the Cold?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting over 32.5 million adults in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and limited mobility.
In colder months, these symptoms often become more intense. While science hasn’t pinned down one exact reason, there are several factors that contribute:
- Barometric Pressure Changes: Falling pressure may cause joints to expand slightly, irritating nerves and increasing sensitivity.
- Cold Temperatures: Low temps can cause muscles and tissues to tighten, leading to stiffness and reduced circulation around joints.
- Decreased Physical Activity: People tend to move less in winter, which leads to joint stiffness, weakened muscles, and increased pain.
- Inflammation Flare-Ups: The body may produce more inflammatory markers in response to cold weather stress.
Patients with knee, shoulder, hip, and elbow arthritis often report worsening pain during the winter, especially in New York City, where the cold and damp conditions are a frequent challenge. Interestingly, our Miami Beach patients may also experience seasonal discomfort due to humidity and atmospheric changes, even without freezing temperatures.
Innovative Options for Relieving Joint Pain
At the practice of Dr. Jonathan Glashow, a renowned board-certified orthopedic surgeon and leader in sports medicine and joint preservation, we offer a wide range of advanced solutions for managing osteoarthritis—tailored to your unique needs and lifestyle.
Regenerative Medicine
Regenerative therapies, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell injections, can help reduce inflammation and stimulate healing within the joint. These are ideal for patients seeking non-surgical alternatives and can be used to delay or prevent joint replacement.
Cartilage Preservation & Restoration
For early-to-moderate arthritis, we offer cartilage preservation procedures that aim to protect and even restore damaged cartilage before it deteriorates further. Options include microfracture surgery, cartilage grafting, and biologic resurfacing.
Minimally Invasive Joint Surgery
For more advanced cases, minimally invasive arthroscopy allows us to clean or repair damaged joint tissue with small incisions and faster recovery. Dr. Glashow’s surgical expertise ensures precision and reduced trauma during every procedure.
Joint Replacement
When joints are severely damaged, partial or total joint replacement may be the best option. We use the latest custom-fitted implants and robotic-assisted techniques to restore natural movement and function with optimal outcomes.
Staying Comfortable This Winter
In addition to clinical treatments, we encourage patients to:
- Stay active with joint-friendly exercises (walking, swimming, stretching)
- Dress warmly, especially around the knees, hands, and shoulders
- Use heating pads or warm baths to soothe stiffness
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on joints
- Consider physical therapy to improve mobility and strength
Get Relief from Winter Joint Pain
Don’t let winter slow you down. Whether you’re in the chill of New York City or the changing weather of Miami Beach, our team at Jonathan L. Glashow, MD Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine offers leading-edge care to help you manage arthritis pain and protect your joints for the long term.
Schedule your consultation today to explore your treatment options and get back to moving pain-free—no matter the season.
