Musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and spinal diseases often receive more attention in colder seasons. Low temperatures cause blood vessels and muscles to constrict, making nerve receptors more sensitive to pain.

Master of Science, Doctor Vu Thi Huyen, from the Department of Musculoskeletal Diseases at Tam Anh Cau Giay General Clinic, notes that summer, with its high temperatures and humidity, sudden weather changes before and after rain showers, and shifts in daily routines, travel, and physical activity, can also trigger or worsen musculoskeletal conditions.

High temperatures

In hot weather, blood vessels dilate to help the body release heat. This can increase swelling around joints, putting pressure on internal structures and causing more pain and discomfort for patients. Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or gout often experience hot, swollen joints and increased pain in high temperatures, with a more pronounced effect on weight-bearing joints such as the knees, ankles, and feet.

Hot weather quickly leads to fatigue, reduced stamina, and limited movement. This weakens the muscles around the joints, decreasing their ability to support and protect the joints, which contributes to prolonged or exacerbated pain.

Doctor Huyen advises that during intense heat, patients with musculoskeletal conditions should limit direct sun exposure, rest in cool environments, apply cold compresses when joints are swollen and painful, and elevate their lower limbs while resting to help reduce edema.

Dehydration

Hot weather increases perspiration, leading to a risk of dehydration and reduced joint fluid. Joint fluid is a natural lubricant that helps bone ends move smoothly and reduces friction during movement. When joint fluid decreases, patients experience drier, stiffer, and more painful joints during movement, commonly seen in individuals with osteoarthritis of the hip, knee, or spine.

Doctor Huyen recommends that everyone drink about 1,5-2 liters of water daily, increasing intake when working outdoors, exercising, or engaging in strenuous physical activity. She suggests consuming water-rich foods such as: watermelon, cucumber, oranges, and grapefruit, while limiting excessive consumption of coffee, energy drinks, and alcohol, as these can increase the risk of dehydration.

Applying cold compresses to reduce knee pain for athletes on hot days. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital.

Applying cold compresses to reduce knee pain for athletes on hot days. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital.

Sudden weather changes

Weather is often erratic, with heatwaves alternating with thunderstorms, causing continuous fluctuations in temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure. These changes can increase pain and joint stiffness in some individuals with musculoskeletal conditions.

Common symptoms include joint stiffness and difficulty moving, especially in the morning or after prolonged periods of sitting or lying down. Elderly individuals with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis are often more sensitive to weather changes, as their musculoskeletal system's function has declined due to aging.

Travel and overexertion

Summer is a time when many people travel, hike, swim, or engage in more outdoor activities than usual. However, a sudden increase in physical activity over a short period can place significant stress on the musculoskeletal system.

Many individuals who are sedentary for long periods find themselves walking long distances, climbing hills, or participating in high-intensity sports while traveling. This can trigger or worsen symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, lower back pain, achilles tendinitis, or plantar fasciitis.

Even younger individuals risk injuries such as muscle strains, sprains, or ligament damage if they overtrain or increase exercise intensity too quickly, especially in hot weather conditions.

Doctor Huyen advises patients with musculoskeletal conditions to maintain a healthy lifestyle, get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, and engage in appropriate exercise during the summer to stay in good physical condition. Additionally, they should drink enough water, adhere to their treatment plans, and attend regular follow-up appointments as guided by their doctor.

If symptoms such as rapidly increasing joint pain, hot and red swollen joints, limited movement, or persistent pain that does not improve after several days of rest appear, patients should seek examination at a specialized medical facility to determine the cause and receive timely treatment.

Thanh Long