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Rain Pains: Understanding the Phenomenon

Rain Pains: Understanding the Phenomenon
What are rain pains?
How Do Rain Pains Develop?
Why do joints ache when it rains?
Why do broken bones ache when it rains?
Why do I have a headache when it rains?
Why do my knees/legs hurt when it rains?
How to relieve rain pains?

Let's explore the causes of rain pains, their different types, and understand why people experience pain in their legs, arms, head, joints, and even previously broken bones during rainfall.

What are rain pains?

Everyone has likely experienced certain sensations during rainfall: the coolness, the freshness – that feeling where both nature and your body seem to be renewing themselves.

This is a natural physiological response to rain. However, some people experience unpleasant symptoms during rainfall: drowsiness, apathy, shortness of breath, and even physical pain. Let's explore what this phenomenon is and how to address it.

Rain pains – a painful bodily reaction triggered by existing health conditions that worsen with weather changes and precipitation like rain or snow. Also known as the "under the weather" symptom

How Do Rain Pains Develop?

Rain pains is one of the symptoms of weather sensitivity (weather pains) that occurs when existing congenital or acquired health conditions are aggravated.

The symptoms appear as the body tries to adapt to weather changes like rain. For those with underlying health issues, this adaptation process requires more energy and can be difficult, leading to discomfort and pain.

Rain pains can occur in people who have:

cardiovascular problems;
respiratory diseases;
injuries, bone or joint fractures;
unstable psychological or emotional health.

Any of these conditions can trigger rain-related pain symptoms.

Why do joints ache when it rains?

Joint pain in the rain occurs due to changes in barometric pressure. These changes alter the internal pressure within joints (where the joint capsule contains synovial fluid) and irritate nerve endings in cartilage tissue and receptors. This is what creates the burning sensation and discomfort in joints.

"When it rains, our joints act like balloons—they contract in response to high barometric pressure and expand when pressure drops," explains Dr. Wen Chang.

Joint pains commonly affect people who are overweight or have previous injuries.

If you experience these sensations during weather changes, it may indicate degenerative processes in your joint cartilage—consult a doctor promptly!

Why do broken bones ache when it rains?

Broken bones ache during rain because fractures alter bone structure. When humidity or barometric pressure changes, the body responds by slightly flexing all bones.

Since fracture sites are denser and less flexible, they become painful during these adjustments.

Why do I have a headache when it rains?

Rain-related headaches occur due to barometric pressure changes before rainfall. These changes cause blood vessels to expand and contract as they try to adapt.

When blood vessels struggle to adjust, less oxygen reaches the brain, resulting in headaches.

Why do my knees/legs hurt when it rains?

Rain pain in the legs and knees stems from barometric pressure changes affecting joint cavity pressure. This irritates nerve endings, causing leg pain.

Doctors recommend getting examined to check for vascular diseases or problematic veins in your legs.

Sometimes, while surface veins appear normal, internal veins may be blocked.

How to relieve rain pains?

Treating rain pains requires a doctor's examination, diagnosis of the underlying condition, and following prescribed treatments.

Remember that rain pains are a symptom of an underlying condition that impairs your body's ability to adapt to weather changes. Only by treating the primary condition can you reduce rain pain symptoms.

To prevent rain pains, follow these tips:

Increase your physical activity: do morning exercises and light movement every 3-4 hours during the day. Regular exercise improves blood circulation, keeping your vessels and muscles healthy and ensuring better oxygen delivery to the brain.
If possible, take more walks outdoors.
Get healthy sleep—the foundation of a strong body and brain. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep in a well-ventilated, dark room.
Stay hydrated. Drink at least half a gallon of water daily and minimize coffee and alcohol consumption.
Choose nutritious foods. Focus on natural ingredients rich in vitamins instead of fatty, spicy foods, or processed items with preservatives. Your body can then use its energy for weather adaptation rather than digesting heavy foods.