The link between bad weather and an increase in discomfort from joint problems has been revealed in groundbreaking new research.
In the UK, about 10 million people suffer from osteoarthritis (OA) and many more have undiagnosed joint stiffness. The prevalence of osteoarthritis increases with age and is greater in women than in men. About 20% of adults aged 45-64 years and 35% of women aged 75 years or over have osteoarthritis in the knee while about 25% of adults over 50 report disability from severe knee discomfort.1 All too often, the early warning signs and symptoms of joint problems are ignored or just put down to old age, until they become serious and potentially crippling.
People with joint health issues often complain that the weather and climate can badly affect their health. However, scientists have struggled to prove the association and doctors can assume the perception of increased discomfort is in a patient’s mind.
Now new research from the makers of Regenovex® – a pioneering formulation backed by research to help maintain the health of joints – has shone light on the relationship between changes in weather and an increase in joint health problems such as stiffness. Containing two functional ingredients from natural sources – a marine oil and hyaluronic acid – Regenovex® Capsules, from the smart technology experts at Mentholatum, is specifically formulated to help keep joints healthy. The Regenovex® range includes one-a-day capsules, and a gel, all containing a marine oil.
Weather misery…
A total of 1,000 adults aged 35 to 75 – with an average age of 50 – who suffer from joint health problems or stiffness were questioned about their experiences with weather-related joint issues.
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A staggering 72% of respondents agreed that they suffered more from joint problems such as discomfort and stiffness because of the weather.
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More than half (55%) said it was during cold periods, followed by damp weather (45%), wet weather (38%) and frosty weather (19%). Just 4% thought hot weather could trigger joint problems.
The biggest joint problem symptoms triggered by weather were:
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Discomfort (63%)
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Stiffness (56%)
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Difficulty getting up when seated (30%)
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Difficulty going up or down stairs (24%)
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Difficulty moving (23%).
Other problems included getting out of bed (20%), bending down (17%) and exercising (15%).
When it comes to the areas of the body that are most affected by stiffness, respondents from the Regenovex® survey cited knees as the worst by more than half (56%), followed by the back (39%), the fingers (26%), hips (25%), hands and neck (both 20%).
Reactions to stiffness triggered by the weather varied:
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A third (32%) said they just put up with it and don’t take any further action
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One in seven would take over the counter painkillers (14%)
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12% would opt for a hot bath
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Other coping strategies included using a hot water bottle (7%) and seeing a GP or pharmacist (5%).
Packing the bags for warmer climates:
Four out of 10 respondents have even considered moving from the UK to a warmer country because of their joint problems. One in nine (11%) are actively contemplating relocation.
Link between weather and joint issues explored
Rheumatologists have found that weather – and meteorological changes such as pressure – can have a significant effect on patients’ arthritic symptoms, particularly that of discomfort. Changes in barometric (atmospheric) pressure and external temperature are thought to be especially important.
In an arthritic joint, the synovial capsule enclosing the synovial membrane and fluid, is often inflamed. It’s thought that changes in pressure – which happens before new weather fronts arrive – can trigger an increase or reduction in pressure of a joint and the volume and pressure of the synovial capsule cavity, leading to discomfort. Many arthritis patients say they can predict bad weather a day or two before it occurs.
Cold temperatures can lead to sensory receptors, called nociceptors, in the joint tissues triggering discomfort – inflamed joints are known to have a heightened nociceptive response. In addition, cold can also lead to a thickening of the viscosity of synovial fluid. Studies on patients fitted with monitoring devices on their ankles showed that they are far less active on colder days.
One scientific study looked at how temperature, weather and pressure affected pain symptoms among a group of 200 patients from across the US with knee osteoarthritis and with an average age of 60. The three-month study, conducted by the Tufts New England Medical Center in Boston and published in the American Journal of Medicine in 2007, found that changes in air pressure and temperature were linked with joint discomfort severity.
Another study, again in the US, looked at how the weather affected joint discomfort levels reported by 558 patients with an average age of 44 living in four American cities. The majority – 68% – of patients over the year-long research believed that changes in the weather affected their discomfort. The study, published in the journal Pain and conducted by researchers at Harvard Medical School in Boston, found that cold and damp conditions were linked to the worst symptoms.
The scientists noted that the results indicate that changes in temperature and pressure appear to trigger joint health issues and discomfort. The researchers say that one explanation is that the body establishes an equilibrium in relation to the local climate so that changes in weather trigger an increase in discomfort regardless of the prevailing meteorological conditions.
Physiotherapist Paul Hobrough, says: “Joint discomfort and joint health issues are a huge problem in the UK, with millions of diagnosed sufferers and many others who struggle on in silence. Joints that are stiff or cause discomfort can badly affect quality of life, with many activities we take for granted proving difficult or even impossible, including the health benefits of taking regular exercise.
“I see a large number of patients in my clinics nationally, that report bad weather or the cold and damp as a trigger for their joint aches or make them worse. For a long time these people have been told that it is in their mind however I was delighted to read the latest research from Regenovex, building on a growing body of evidence, that supports the association between weather – especially temperature and air pressure – and increased levels of joint discomfort and stiffness. The Regenovex survey found nearly three quarters of those questioned said the weather could be a joint health trigger, with cold and damp conditions blamed the most and Scientists are now investigating the mechanisms behind this phenomenon.”
Paul adds: “Regenovex is a new generation of joint care preparation, with a unique formulation that helps to support joint health, backed by extensive scientific research. The key ingredients are Bionovex Oil, a marine oil derived from New Zealand green lipped mussels and hyaluronic acid. The Bionovex Oil has a proven anti-inflammatory effect which could relieve the pressure build up in the joint, while hyaluronic acid acts to lubricate and cushion your joints. Regenovex could be a major help in treating joint health problems. It not only helps tackle inflammation along a range of pathways, but it may also improve and maintain the synovial fluid in joints. No other product works this way.”
“I am thankful to Regenovex for providing a possible answer to scores of patients who have until now, found themselves suffering without a solution. Only time will tell the extent to which Regenovex will help these people but vast progress has been made and people feel like they are finally being listened to by the healthcare industry.”
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About Regenovex®
Regenovex – the sea power promise
Regenovex is a unique combination of two key ingredients. The first, Bionovex Oil® is an extract of marine lipid oil derived from Green Lipped Mussels found only in the waters between North and South islands of New Zealand. It is particularly rich in eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA), an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids found only in Green Lipped Mussels.
The second key ingredient is the joint lubricant hyaluronic acid (HA), which has a strong scientific basis for maintaining the health of the joints. HA is found naturally in the body in a wide range of tissues, including the joint cartilage. It is also a major component of synovial fluid, the naturally occurring lubricant found in the joints. HA has a variety of functions in the joint, restoring lubrication, providing cushioning, allowing movement and helping to maintain the health of the joint.
People with joint problems achieved a marked improvement in symptoms after just two weeks taking Regenovex capsules a multi-centre US study has shown. The 12 week trial showed that Regenovex eases discomfort and stiffness and helps movement.
Regenovex® – An A-Z
Regenovex® is available in two unique, technically advanced formulations:
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Regenovex® Capsules. An advanced formulation designed for daily joint health, one-a-day Regenovex® Capsules are very small and easy to swallow.
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Regenovex® Gel is for targeted application on individual joints. Easy to use Regenovex® Gel is dispensed via a pump and can be rubbed on the joint up to 3 times per day.
Who can use Regenovex®?
Regenovex® is suitable for adults of all ages and particularly those over 39. It should not be used by pregnant/breastfeeding women or by those allergic to molluscs or shellfish
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Log onto www.regenovex.co.uk
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Regenovex is available from most Boots stores (Jointcare or Vitamins & Supplements aisle) nationwide or online at www.boots.com and www.regenovex.co.uk
Prices include:
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Regenovex® Capsules, pack of 30 capsules: RSP £23.99
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Regenovex® Gel, 40ml: RSP £11.29
National Collaborating Centre for Chronic Conditions.
Osteoarthritis. National clinical guideline for care and
management in adults. Available:
http://www.nice.org.uk/
Omnibus One Poll, 1000 respondents