The 6 Worst Cities for Arthritis

The 6 Worst Cities for Arthritis

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, affects millions of people around the world. It is a condition that causes deterioration of the protective cartilage found in joints between bones. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain, stiffness, loss of flexibility and swelling. It is a condition which can be worsened by a number of factors including activity, diet, weight, and even environment.

Arthritis symptoms can actually be worsened by the climate a person lives in, and these happen to be the worst cities to reside in for arthritis sufferers:

1. Memphis, Tennessee
There are many arthritis sufferers who will swear that certain weather conditions will make their conditions flare up. Science seems to support this with studies showing that cold, wet climates are non-conducive for osteoarthritis sufferers. A city like Memphis in Tennessee suffers from cold, wet winters with average temperature ranging between 30-50f. December rainfall tends to be high which can sometimes lead to snow but January and February are drier but still cold. The summer months are warmer but have relatively high humidity which can tend to worsen symptoms.

2. Charleston, West Virginia
The drop in barometric pressure that precedes rainfall has been shown to cause irritation to already inflamed arthritic joints. Charleston in West Virginia has between 3-6 inches of rain each month and averages temperatures between 0-99f depending on the time of year. It is a humid climate which can experience rapid temperature swings. These conditions can cause or worsen flare-ups by increasing joint swelling due to barometric pressure changes.

3. Atlanta, Georgia
The state of Georgia has a sunny reputation but in actual fact it is prone to rapid weather swings. Atlanta is no exception to this rule as a beautiful sunny morning can easily give way to a cool rainy afternoon. Ranging from the low 30s to the high 80s temperature wise, certain times of the year can be more problematic from arthritis sufferers. There is consistent rainfall all year round so humidity is an issue in this city. The state also suffers from a lack of rheumatologists which means treatment is spotty for arthritis sufferers.

4. Dover, Delaware
Dover in Delaware is a rainy city with cold, wet winters and humid, warm summers. In the winter months there is also significant snowfall which can make for uncomfortable conditions for arthritis sufferers. The average income in Dover has decreased in recent years which may mean economically health insurance may be more sparse. There are also fewer than 10 rheumatologists within the city of Dover.

5. Mobile, Alabama
Although one of the warmer southern cities, Mobile does have high humidity levels for much of the year. This means rain is common as are sharp barometric pressure changes. With a population close to 190,000, the city has just 15 rheumatologists. It has a low average annual income which also means many sufferers may not be well insured medically.

6. Springfield, Massachusetts
Harsh Massachusetts winters can be a nightmare to arthritis sufferers in cities like Springfield. Symptoms can flare up in the cold, wet winter and humid spring and summer conditions offer little respite. The medical system in the state itself is pretty solid so that is not a major issue but weather conditions can be challenging.