Many individuals report experiencing aches or discomfort in old injuries, particularly healed broken bones, when the weather shifts, especially before rain. This common phenomenon, often dismissed as an old wives’ tale, has a basis in scientific principles. This article explores the scientific explanations behind why healed broken bones can become sensitive to changes in weather patterns.
The Core Mechanism: Barometric Pressure
The primary external factor linked to this discomfort is barometric pressure, the weight of the air surrounding us. This atmospheric pressure constantly fluctuates, and a significant drop often precedes changes in weather, such as rain or storms. When this external pressure decreases, it can affect the internal environment of the body.
A reduction in external barometric pressure allows tissues, fluids, and gases within the body to expand slightly. This expansion, though often subtle, can exert increased pressure on surrounding nerves, joints, and other sensitive tissues. For instance, the fluid within joints, known as synovial fluid, may expand, leading to irritation.
The speed of the pressure change also influences the intensity of the discomfort. A rapid drop in barometric pressure, as often occurs before a storm, tends to cause more noticeable aches compared to a slow, gradual decline.
Anatomical Changes After Healing
A healed broken bone is particularly susceptible to barometric pressure changes due to anatomical alterations during healing. When a bone fractures, the body initiates a repair mechanism, forming new bone tissue. While this new bone restores structural integrity, it may not be as strong or flexible as the original bone and can be more sensitive to atmospheric pressure fluctuations.
The healing process also involves the formation of scar tissue, both within the bone and in surrounding soft tissues like muscles and ligaments. This scar tissue can be less elastic than healthy tissue and may become less pliable in colder temperatures, contributing to increased tension around the injury site. Nerve sensitivity can also be altered in the healed area, as nerve fibers may regrow into the fracture site, leading to heightened sensitivity to pressure changes or inflammation.
Surgical hardware, such as plates, screws, or pins, used to stabilize a fracture can also contribute to discomfort. While modern implants are biologically compatible, the presence of a foreign object can lead to different reactions to pressure or temperature compared to natural bone and tissue. The metal does not expand or move in the same way as surrounding biological tissues, which can create a differential stress perceived as pain.
Alleviating Discomfort
While the discomfort from healed broken bones reacting to weather changes is generally not a sign of re-injury, there are several practical approaches to manage the aches. Applying gentle heat to the affected area, such as with a warm compress or during a warm bath, can help improve blood circulation and reduce stiffness. Maintaining warmth by dressing in layers, especially over the previously injured site, can also provide relief.
Engaging in regular, gentle exercise and stretching can help maintain flexibility and reduce stiffness in the joints and surrounding tissues. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen, may also help alleviate pain. If the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by new symptoms like swelling or redness, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable to rule out other underlying causes.