Old Tale About Joints/Weather Proven, Sort Of

You know that old grandpa story about how a bum knee can predict the weather?

Bottom line first
New evidence backs up (but of course does not prove) that low barometric pressure and cold temperatures are linked to osteoarthritis pain.

This study in 50 words or less
Researchers compiled self-reports of arthritis knee pain from an earlier study on the possible benefits of the dietary supplement glucosamine. They compared that with local weather data on the days of the pain reports. Low temperatures and barometric pressure were linked to greater pain.

Yes, but. . .
This wasn't a gold-standard clinical trail. But in some ways it was better. Scientists exploring this question have always had to deal with the problem that subjects' perception of pain could be influenced by their expectation that weather affects it. By looking at data gathered (probably) in ignorance of local weather, they avoided this problem.

So what are you going to do about it?

• Nothing, really. You may get some comfort knowing your suspicion that aches are due to the weather may not be all in your head.
• Since the Cox-2 inhibitor Vioxx has been pulled off the market--and a lot of folks recommend steering clear of any Cox-2 drug still on the market--it's worth knowing about the alternatives. Two good sources: The Arthritis Foundation's thoroughgoing post-Vioxx report on medications and other treatments. And if you're really into this stuff, check out this 15-page MedicineNet report for doctors assembled after the Vioxx withdrawal. Also check out this Mayo Clinic report about self-care for osteoarthritis.