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Reducing Arthritis Joint Pain and Staying Active During the Warmer Months 

Beautiful woman, senior, running in headphones, walking in the park, playing sports

Temperatures are on the rise and people living with arthritis may start to notice some changes in how their joints feel. Whether living with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or another type of chronic joint condition, understanding how weather changes affect arthritis pain—and how to manage it—can help you stay active and feel your best. 

Beautiful woman, senior, running in headphones, walking in the park, playing sports

In this blog, we’ll cover key areas to help you reduce arthritis pain, improve mobility, and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle: 

What Is Arthritis? 

Arthritis is a common condition that causes inflammation in the joints, leading to pain, stiffness and swelling. The three most common types of arthritis include:  

  • Osteoarthritis (OA): Caused by wear and tear on joint cartilage. 
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy joint tissue. 
  • Psoriatic Arthritis: Affects people with psoriasis, a common skin condition. Key aspects of psoriatic arthritis are autoimmune diseases, joint pain and inflammation in the joints.  

Common symptoms of arthritis include joint pain and stiffness, swollen joints, reduced range of motion and fatigue. These symptoms can be experienced in one or more joints and may be accompanied by redness, warmth and tenderness. Understanding the type of arthritis you have is the first step toward managing it effectively—especially as the seasons change. While arthritis is often thought of as a “cold weather” condition, many people report flare-ups during the summer months as well. 

How Does Warm Weather Affect Arthritis? 

For some individuals, warmer weather may ease arthritis pain, while others notice an increase in stiffness or discomfort. A few common ways that warm weather impacts arthritis include: 

  1. Barometric pressure changes: Makes joints feel more swollen or sensitive. Fluctuations in barometric pressure can cause joint tissues to expand or contract, leading to increased pain or stiffness.  
  1. High humidity: Increases stiffness and inflammation, especially in people with autoimmune forms of arthritis. 
  1. Hot temperatures: Can lead to dehydration and may exacerbate joint pain or cramping. 

In some cases, sunlight and warmth can promote circulation and muscle relaxation, which can make movement easier in the body. Keeping a symptom journal can help individuals track how the body responds to different weather conditions. With that knowledge, it is possible to tweak routines to match what the body’s joints need most.  

How to Reduce Arthritis Pain and Stay Active in Summer 

Staying active is one of the most effective ways to relieve joint pain naturally and improve overall joint health during summer months. In warmer weather, it is especially important to choose arthritis-friendly exercises and habits that support the body. This can include low-impact activities like walking, swimming, cycling and water aerobics. These are all excellent options that minimize stress on the joints and keep your body moving. A common goal is to aim for at least 20–30 minutes of physical activity per day, five days a week. 

In addition to regular movement, incorporating gentle mobility exercises and light resistance training can help improve flexibility and strengthen the muscles that support joints. Applying heat – such as a warm towel or heating pad—before exercising can help loosen stiff joints, and using a cold pack afterward may reduce inflammation and discomfort. 

Staying well hydrated is also crucial, especially in hot weather. It is important to drink plenty of water and eat anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, berries, fatty fish (such as salmon), nuts and olive oil to support joint health. 

Wearing supportive gear is essential for managing arthritis symptoms and maintaining joint health. This includes choosing proper footwear and using braces or compression sleeves when needed, as they can provide extra stability and reduce strain on your joints throughout the day. 

Incorporating these supportive measures into your daily routine can help alleviate discomfort and promote joint health, enabling individuals to stay active and comfortable throughout the day. 

When to See a Doctor for Arthritis Pain 

In some cases, it is important to visit your healthcare provider to manage arthritis pain. Persistent joint pain, swelling that does not diminish, and stiffness interfering with daily activities are indicators that professional medical evaluation is necessary. These symptoms may signal underlying conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, which require timely diagnosis and management to prevent further joint damage. 

Healthcare providers can offer a comprehensive diagnosis and discuss various treatment options tailored to individual needs. These may include physical or occupational therapy to enhance joint function and mobility, prescription medications to control inflammation, corticosteroid injections for short-term relief, and, in some cases, referrals to specialists like rheumatologists or orthopedic doctors. 

Early intervention is crucial in managing joint health effectively. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent further joint damage, improve quality of life and help maintain independence in daily activities. 

Conclusion 

Managing arthritis in warmer weather doesn’t have to be a struggle. With the right combination of exercise, hydration, joint care, and professional support, it is possible to reduce discomfort, increase energy and stay mobile all season long. 

If you’re looking for more ways to manage your arthritis symptoms, talk to your doctor about creating a personalized treatment plan that supports your health goals.  

 

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Dr. John Woeste joins Southeast Orthopedic Specialists to expand pain management services in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

JACKSONVILLE, May 05, 2025 – Southeast Orthopedic Specialists (SOS) is proud to welcome Dr. John Woeste, a dual board-certified anesthesiologist who specializes in pain management, to its growing team at the Ponte Vedra Beach office, located at 232 Ponte Vedra Park Dr. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Woeste brings exceptional clinical expertise and a deep commitment to improving the lives of patients suffering from chronic pain.

John Woeste

Dr. Woeste is a Gainesville native, earning his medical degree from the University of Florida and completed his residency in anesthesiology at Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, where he also completed nine months of focused training in pain medicine. He has led both hospital-based and freestanding pain practices and most recently directed a high-volume pain management clinic on the Baptist Beaches Hospital campus—one of the largest of its kind in North Florida.

Throughout his career, Dr. Woeste has helped thousands of patients find relief and hope through evidence-based, personalized care. He has served as Director of Anesthesiology and Pain Management Services for two major Jacksonville hospital systems and is known for his approachable, down-to-earth style and steady leadership in the field.

Dr. Woeste is passionate about connecting with patients, understanding the challenges they face and helping them chart a path to lasting relief and a fuller life. His addition to SOS marks a significant step forward in the organization’s mission to provide comprehensive musculoskeletal care across Northeast Florida.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Woeste to our practice,” said Donnie Romine, CEO of Southeast Orthopedic Specialists. “His decades of experience, commitment to excellence, and passion for patient care make him a perfect fit for our expanding team of physicians and specialists. We look forward to the continued growth of our pain management services under his leadership.”

Outside of medicine, Dr. Woeste is an avid gardener, history reader and music enthusiast. A proud father of three, he enjoys Florida Gator sports, dad jokes and time with his family—including their beloved dog.

With the addition of Dr. Woeste at the Ponte Vedra Beach office, Southeast Orthopedic Specialists strengthens its commitment to delivering exceptional, patient-centered care throughout the region.

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About Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

Established in 2001, Southeast Orthopedic Specialists has grown into the regional leader in musculoskeletal care. Southeast Orthopedic Specialists was founded on the principle of providing high-quality, comprehensive care in the Northeast Florida region. The entire spectrum of musculoskeletal healthcare services is provided to patients including orthopedic surgery, spine care, physical medicine and rehabilitation, pain management, chiropractic and podiatry. Services including physical therapy, regenerative medicine, advanced imaging, durable medical equipment and musculoskeletal urgent care are offered in multiple locations throughout the region. Physicians at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists are leading experts in their field with decades of experience, including the completion of multiple fellowships and groundbreaking research. Visit www.se-ortho.com to learn more.

About Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo)

Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo) is the national leader of integrated musculoskeletal value-based health outcomes management, practice management and health system service line management. This includes comprehensive expertise across all MSK specialties, including orthopedics, spine, neurosurgery, hand, pain management, rehabilitation and neurology. HOPCo’s integrated care, analytics and facilities development and management platforms have proven to increase the quality of patient care while reliably reducing the total cost of care across the care continuum for practices, health systems and payors alike. HOPCo’s affiliated payors, practices and health systems successfully participate in highly efficient value-based contracting (bundled payments, chronic episodes of care initiatives, population health programs and other advanced risk-based arrangements) utilizing HOPCo’s proprietary platforms, IT solutions, integrated analytics and evidence-based comprehensive care pathways. Visit https://hopco.com to learn more.  

Media Contact:
Annebeth Ahrenholz
Communications Specialist
Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo)
Annebeth.Ahrenholz@hopco.com

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