From what I understand, it has to do with the barometric pressure.....but don't ask me to explain it (lol)....google barometric pressure and RA....

Barometric pressure is believed to cause an increase in inflammation and swelling, much the same way that your skin wrinkles under water because it swells.
There are theories that the changes in lighting accompanying a storm can cause mood and hormonal changes (Which very much affect RA).
Several other theories (completely untested so far) say that the energy levels in storms are different than "ambient electromagnetics" and can cause emotional and physical disturbances in the human body, which can also lead to RA flares.
The most widely accepted theory though is barometric pressure contributing to swelling/inlammation.
Either way.. it's very, very painful. Storms and cold weather lead to fibro flares too. Sometimes it would be nice to live somewhere with a flat temperature and a steady enough weather pattern you can avoid the most of it!

I remember growing up and "old people" would predict a storm and they were always right. Now I am old people: I get it! We become early warning systems; just think of it as a blessing, we won't get caught without an umbrella! Have a great day. Trish

Much the same as said - the pressure affects the tissues which I think the article I read said become more swollen. It is quite tiny but enough to irritate our lurking beast...

My rheumatologist doesnt believe the temperature, atmosphere or weather in any shape or form affect RA....His nurse and I have "interesting" discussions about him....

It would be nice to live somewhere with nice, stable weather. Couldn't someone invent a device to adjust barometric pressure in a house or room to the most comfortable for arthritis?

camba:: going to poke a bit of fun at that doctor here, but I used to want to be a diver, so I was studying this for a while. :::
I find what your doctor said about it a little ironic for a few reasons, but the following is the main one!
Barometric pressure is atmospheric air pressure. They call it barometric because of the barometer to measure it. Barometric Pressure is no different than a mini version of underwater pressure (Where weights are higher). Pressure changes can result in "decompression sickness" in divers. You can also get decopression sickness from high altitudes.
How? It causes the internal fluid pressures and chemical levels (oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen for example) to leave their proper place in the blood stream and bubble.
I hope he isn't an ocean side or coast line doctor. ;)
Either way, feel free to take what he says with a grain of salt (most of us do with doctors!)

Since I am a weather watcher and have a pretty nice weather station at home, I am starting to track the barometric pressure trends in relation to my pain. When the pressure is dropping I can certainly feel the difference when it gets to a certain point.

But.....I am finding that the summer weather has been much easier for me than the winter. When the pressure is dropping in the winter plus the cold damp air with a storm approaching, I really suffer more.

Hi Twyliah, You, I and many others feel the same thing. My body usually reacts by not feeling well when we have rain or any preceip on the way. It is awful and though we need the rain, it is slatted to rain everyday next week. Oh Oh....

Gotta chime in here b/c I've had a very bad flare lately, and what do you know - we've had intermittent big bad thunderstorms in my area the past few weeks...

Interestingly enough, my RN case manager with my health insurance plan (I talk with her once a month) recently advised me to start following the weather patterns, to look for changes and "low pressure systems."

I said "I thought that was an old wives tale" and she laughed and said "Oh, no it's not - it's something you definitely need to take into consideration while looking for your triggers."

Kinda makes me sad because honestly, I LOVE a good old Texas thunderstorm! I love curling up with a blanket, a cup of coffee or hot tea and a good novel while a thunderstorm rages outside (or a nap - even more heavenly).

And Trish - you crack me up as always - "Now I am old people - I get it" -- that gave me a good laugh for the morning. : )

I'm 42 but I get it now too!

I love a good thunderstorm. I love hearing the rain on the roof and cuddling up and reading, too! I may be crazy, but I think I start to feel relief in my body once the rain really lets loose. This must be when the pressure changes. Anyway, it is all very interesting!

My body hurts more when it storms too and my doc told me it was the changes in pressure. My husband and I have come to joke about it (gotta have some humor) *affecting an old lady voice* "Yep dear, a storms a commin!". In particular my jaw really flares up bad during weather changes. I love the sound of rain, I always found it soothing, so it's a double edged sword for me now.