As temperatures plummet and smog engulfs the national capital, doctors are witnessing a surge in patients suffering joint pain and arthritis flare-ups. Orthopedic specialists report consultations for chronic joint issues have noticeably increased over the past two months, a trend linked to the combined effects of cold weather and polluted air.
Scientific Evidence Links Pollution to Arthritis
A 2025 European Medical Journal study found long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can increase arthritis development risk by 12-18%, strengthening concerns that Delhi’s winter pollution is worsening joint pain and inflammation.
Cold Weather’s Impact on Joints
Cold temperatures cause muscles around joints to tighten and tissues to contract, slowing blood flow and increasing stiffness, especially in people with Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Many patients report more discomfort during early morning or late evening when temperatures drop sharply.
Simultaneously, air pollution acts as a hidden trigger. Research shows PM2.5 particles cause systemic inflammation, raise CRP levels, and accelerate long-term joint damage. When poor air quality and cold temperatures occur together, the impact on joint health becomes significantly worse.
Medical Professionals Observe Increasing Cases
Dr. Arvind Mehra, Senior Director & Head of Orthopaedics & Trauma at Paras Health, Gurugram, stated: “Over the past several weeks, we’ve seen more arthritis issues, especially with older people and those who already have joint problems. Cold temperatures reduce blood supply around the joints, making them stiffer, while inhaled pollutants stimulate inflammatory pathways that can worsen pain and swelling.”
“For patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, this combination of cold and toxic air acts almost like a biological stress test on the body,” he added.
A Rheumatology longitudinal study found even pollution levels below common safety limits were associated with increased inflammatory activity and arthritis flares in RA patients, suggesting air pollution may play roles in immune system dysfunction and oxidative stress.
Long-Term Health Concerns
Dr. Simon Thomas, Director and Head of Robotic Joint Replacement & Reconstruction at Max Healthcare, noted: “Tiny air particles such as PM2.5 don’t just affect our lungs; they also get into our blood, which can cause body-wide swelling and speed up joint problems.”
“We’ve seen over time that people living in heavily polluted areas tend to heal more slowly after joint surgery and have their joint pain return more often.”
Recommended Management Strategies
Doctors recommend monitoring AQI, limiting outdoor exposure on polluted days, maintaining indoor physical activity, using air purifiers, staying warm, and seeking timely medical care when symptoms increase.
