Hot days may reduce risk of arthritis

Hot weather may reduce the risk of developing knee arthritis

A study based on data from more than 350,000 middle-aged men and women across the UK found that those exposed to warmer days were less likely to develop the condition.

A “hot day” was defined as a temperature of 27°C or higher.

The researchers followed participants with an average age of 56 who did not have knee arthritis at the beginning of the study. Over the next 11 years, more than 23,000 people were diagnosed with the condition.

By analyzing home address data, the scientists calculated how many hot days each person experienced in the five years before the study began.

The results were striking; Those exposed to the most hot days had a 10 percent lower risk of developing knee arthritis.

Experts believe the benefits may be linked to improved blood flow in hot weather.

Increased circulation can help lubricate the joints, making them less stiff and more flexible, while also providing more oxygen and nutrients to the knee tissue.

The findings, published in BMC Public Health, also highlighted the role of lifestyle.

Moderate exercise was found to reduce the risk of arthritis by seven percent.

But when combined with frequent exposure to hot weather, the protective effect increased to 17 percent.

However, excessive exercise has been shown to have the opposite effect and increase the likelihood of joint problems.

Researchers suggest that heat may also trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, and may help reduce inflammation linked to arthritis.

Knee osteoarthritis currently affects around 5.4 million people in the UK, with symptoms often worsening in cold weather.

While previous studies have linked low temperatures to increased joint pain, this study is one of the first to explore the potential protective effects of heat.

Although more research is needed, the findings suggest that warmer days may play a role in keeping joints healthier longer.