Source : Perth Now news
Hot weather could lower 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 more hot days were less likely to develop the condition.
A “hot day” was defined as temperatures reaching 27C or higher.
Researchers tracked participants with an average age of 56 who did not have knee arthritis at the start of the study. Over the following 11 years, more than 23,000 were diagnosed with the condition.
By analysing home address data, 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 highest number of hot days had a 10 per cent lower risk of developing knee arthritis.
Experts believe the benefits may be linked to improved blood flow during warmer weather.
Increased circulation could help lubricate joints, making them less stiff and more flexible, while also delivering more oxygen and nutrients to knee tissue.
The findings, published in BMC Public Health, also highlighted the role of lifestyle.
Moderate exercise was found to reduce arthritis risk by seven per cent.
But when combined with frequent exposure to hot weather, the protective effect rose to 17 per cent.
However, excessive exercise appeared to have the opposite effect, increasing the likelihood of joint problems.
Researchers suggest that heat may also trigger the release of endorphins – the body’s natural painkillers – while helping to reduce inflammation linked to arthritis.
Knee osteoarthritis currently affects around 5.4 million people in the UK, with symptoms often worsening in colder weather.
While previous studies have linked low temperatures to increased joint pain, this is one of the first to explore the potential protective effects of heat.
Although more research is needed, the findings hint that warmer days could play a role in keeping joints healthier for longer.
