Getting to the Bottom of Common Pain Myths

Myth: Weather has no influence on joint pain.

Although the exact scientific mechanism is unclear, weather appears to influence joint pain. But it's more likely that barometric pressure is what seems to make a difference rather than heat or humidity, Warfield said.

One theory is that a change in barometric (or air) pressure, which tends to drop during a storm, might lead to a temporary increase in inflammation, pain and stiffness. The reason might be that joints have nerve endings with receptors that can pick up on pressure changes.

Cold temperatures can also make certain types of pain worse. One possible explanation is that when there's a chill in the air, your entire body might tense up and tighten. As a result, your joints might feel stiffer, achier and harder to move.

People with arthritis often say they feel better in a drier, warmer climate, and that's probably true. But there might not be solid evidence to explain why weather has an effect on joint pain.