Medical ? No poker content

[Warren Whitmore]

Alot of people say that humidity affects pains in thier joints. Or say that they can tell a storm is comming because of an ache or pain. Given that the joint is always in a medium of 100% humidity is there a physical phenomenon occuring here or is it purly hypocondria in nature?

[Mike]

Can't speak for anyone else, but I have a knee joint that drives me to tears in minutes when the barometer drops to fast. I have a small piece of metal in it (unplanned) though, so maybe I am cheating a bit.

[Warren Whitmore]

Thats exactly the sort of thing I am interested in! Thanks

[ezratei]

It is not the humidity that is affecting the joint but rather the pressure drop that is caused by an increase in humidity. Water vapor is lighter than nitrogen (the major component of air) and thus as humidity increases, atmospheric (or barometric pressure) decreases.

The pressure inside your joints remains constant as they are completely enclosed and thus when the external (or barometric) pressure drops, your joint space expands. This expansion can apply pressure to the surrounding tissue and cause severe pain in people with several forms of arthritis. Thus people with arthritis can actually "sense" a drop in barometric pressure.

Hope that helps,
Ezra

[Warren Whitmore]

It sure does. That makes it a physical response. Thanks

[chesspain]

[ QUOTE ]
Alot of people say that humidity affects pains in thier joints. Or say that they can tell a storm is comming because of an ache or pain. Given that the joint is always in a medium of 100% humidity is there a physical phenomenon occuring here or is it purly hypocondria in nature?

[/ QUOTE ]

You definately need a day at Foxwoods to help take your mind off of your aches and pains. [img]/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]

[Warren Whitmore]

Sounds good, see you Friday!