It is officially wintertime and the weather is changing. For a lot of people, this is a fun and cozy time of year. The weather outside might be cold but inside it is warm and cozy. It’s the perfect time for snuggling up and reading or watching a good movie. It’s the perfect cuddle weather. It also can be fun to go outside and play in this stormy weather. There are even songs about the weather during this season and how great it is. For a lot of people, this weather means it’s the best time of the year.

But that’s not the case for everyone.

The old wives tale of “feeling a storm in your bones” is actually no tale at all. People who have chronic conditions like arthritis can sometimes feel a storm looming in their joints with an increase in joint pain. It might sound crazy, but there is science to back this craziness up.

A study made by Tufts University found that for every 10-degree drop in temperature, there was a corresponded incremental increase in joint pain. There have also been studies done that have linked barometric pressure drop and increase in joint pain as well. So while a lot of people are frolicking in the snow or rain, there are also a lot of people in their beds because they can’t move because of their joint pain.

This pain increase isn’t true for everyone who has chronic joint pain. Not everyone with arthritis or who suffers from joint pain has an increase in pain when the weather changes, but it is something to be mindful about during this time of year. This is a time of year for giving and thankfulness, so this year be thankful for your health because not everyone has it. While joint pain may seem like a minor thing to the observer, it is no small matter to those who are living with it.

Also, be mindful of those around you. Studies have shown that those with chronic joint pain are afraid to speak up about their pain during weather changes because they are afraid of someone thinking they are crazy. So next time your old aunt says she can feel a storm brewing in her knees, cut her some slack. Chances are, she probably can.

There is still a lot of scientific debate on why the change in weather affects joints, but there have been enough studies done to show that there is some form of connection between the weather and increase in joint pain. Sadly, there’s no real way to prevent this pain from occurring until humans can control the weather. That being said there are things that the individual who has the joint pain may do to help ease their pain.

If you are someone who suffers from joint pain with a change of weather, there are a few things you can do to help relieve your pain. Morning stretches are recommended, as well as stretching throughout the day. Also applying heat (heat creams or heating pads) can help relieve pain.