Joint pain and atmospheric pressure

[Otterfield]

I have been suffering with pain in my knees which radiates to my shins, thighs and hips. I have it every day but I think it's worse when atmospheric pressure is low. Does anyone have thoughts about this or is it just a myth? Is there any way of countering pressure eg knee compression? I haven't yet sorted out a genuinely effective way of dealing with the pain, but I have increased my Vitamin D supplement (with my consultant's blessing). I have post ET MF, JAK2 +

Thanks, Jennie

[Adlon57]

I found it is the damp and cold in the air, osteoarthritis and ET, would a dehumidifier help? Its certainly helped me although it can be expensive? Stay safe🤞👍

[Otterfield in reply to Adlon57]

Thank you, I hadn't thought of that.

[paintbox]

Hi Jennie,Sorry that you're experiencing this daily pain, I do empathise!

Occasionally I get puffy stiff knees and do notice weather has a slight impact. I've recently been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in several other joints as well as my knees. In hot dry weather I have very little joint pain (seriously considering a sauna for the back garden 🤣) but damp and cold make it worse. Since taking curcumin + black pepper supplement I have seen a marked improvement in all my low level constant pain & I'm having fewer flare ups. Also, significantly, I've cut all dairy from my diet for the last 2 months and it's had arguably a greater benefit than the curcumin (tumeric) for reducing inflammation.

I hope you get some relief soon!

Best wishes, Órla

[Otterfield in reply to paintbox]

Thank you. That's interesting about giving up dairy. Could be worth trying, although I will find it hard as I haven't yet found an alternative that I like!

[paintbox in reply to Otterfield]

I didn't think I ate much dairy until I tried to cut it out & found it very hard! I even had bad headaches at first. There were many family meals that have dairy that I'd not thought about until I couldn't have them! I use chilli or another strong taste instead of cheese for example and found just doing without easier than dairy substitutes, although I do have oat milk in porridge.

[paintbox in reply to Otterfield]

I was directed to the China study by the nutritionalist at my health food store specifically in respect to dairy's impact on inflammation - as Hunter said. Below is a link to a good summary as the main text is rather lengthy.

wellandgood.com/china-study...

My pain, which has been near constant for a long time, has drastically reduced without dairy. I really hope the curcumin or a trial without dairy might be helpful for you. Best of luck finding relief x

[Otterfield in reply to paintbox]

Thanks for the link, I will check it out.

[hunter5582]

Like the others said, yes weather can make a difference. Sometimes you can feel the barometric pressure dropping. Actually pretty common with osteoarthritis I think. Like Paintbox said, curcumin does help. it does more for me than any NSAID I ever took.

Hope you get some relief soon.

[Otterfield in reply to hunter5582]

Thank you. I have wondered about curcumin/turmeric but I think I read that it can lower platelets. My platelets are already struggling a bit with MF.

[Inca in reply to Otterfield]

Yes ,my platelets are always fairly low each monthly blood test,I am PV 11yrs,like you I cannot find an alternative I like in place of dairy products,except sheeps cheese,Brebispopular here in France.....lots of pain hips ,hands,arms too,tho have had fractures ,a life spent with horses and large dogs in all weathers might also be related. Hope you find some relief.Best to you

[hunter5582 in reply to Otterfield]

I have heard some anecdotal reports of decreases in platelet levels, but there is little evidence that it does. Curcumin does reduce inflammation, which could reduce hematopoiesis a bit theoretically. Also theoretically, by reducing inflammation the enzymes that promote cancer/disease progression could be reduced. There is one study that shows that curcumin can induce apoptosis via the JAK-STAT pathway (that would be a good thing). What is pretty certain is that curcumin has anti-inflammatory and mild blood thinning properties. My MPN Specialist is fine with me using it, just noting to watch for bruising while on it (not a problem for me like aspirin was).

Have no idea what would be right for you. Definitely discuss it with a MPN Specialist and/or an Integrative/Functional Medicine doc.

[paintbox in reply to hunter5582]

I've been taking it since you recommended it to me & it's been fantastic. I need to refund your message to remind myself of the other things you'd mentioned.

[Innessant]

I have similar symptoms and only have asymptomatic PV. Have you checked if you have osteoarthritis?I would not link this to your MF or atmospheric pressure immediately. I checked and had the X rays which confirm early stage OA. Exercise helps. How old are you?

[Otterfield in reply to Innessant]

Interesting, thank you. In my head it's associated with MF because of when it started but this could be a coincidence. I am 59.