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Why Do My Hands Hurt More in the Cold?

As the crisp fall air settles in, many of our clients say the same thing:

“My hands feel so much stiffer when it gets cold outside.”

You’re not imagining it! The colder months can make hand pain and stiffness worse — especially if you have arthritis, tendon issues, or old injuries. Here’s why this happens, and what you can do to keep your hands feeling their best all season long.

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Why Do My Hands Hurt More in the Cold?

1️⃣ Reduced Circulation

In the cold, blood vessels in your hands constrict to keep your core body warm. That means less blood flow to your fingers and joints — leaving them stiff, cold, and achy.

2️⃣ Thicker Joint Fluid

Your joints are lubricated by synovial fluid, which thickens in cooler temperatures. This makes movement feel sluggish and tight, especially in the morning.

3️⃣ Changes in Barometric Pressure

Shifts in air pressure can cause tissues around your joints to expand slightly, increasing stiffness and discomfort.

4️⃣ Less Movement = More Stiffness

When it’s cold, we tend to move less. Less activity means our joints and muscles don’t stay as warm or flexible, leading to that “morning stiffness” feeling.

5️⃣ Nerve Sensitivity

Cold tissue can heighten nerve sensitivity — especially in people with arthritis, neuropathy, or previous injuries — making pain feel stronger.

(Image suggestion: simple diagram of a hand joint showing how cold constricts vessels and thickens fluid.)


How to Manage Hand Pain & Stiffness in Cold Weather


The good news? You can take simple, effective steps to improve comfort and keep your hands moving all winter long.

1. Warm Up with Moist Heat

Moist heat helps improve circulation, relax tight muscles and tendons, and ease joint stiffness — especially first thing in the morning.

Our favorite tools:

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2. Keep Hands Warm While You’re Out

Cold air can quickly aggravate stiffness. Protect your hands whenever you’re outside, and keep some portable heat handy.

Keep one in your coat pocket or bag for errands, walks, or outdoor events!


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3. Gentle Movement Matters

After applying heat, follow up with simple hand movements:

  • Make a soft fist, then slowly open your hand

  • Bend and straighten each finger

  • Rotate your wrists

  • Squeeze a soft therapy ball or putty

Movement keeps joint fluid warm and circulating — reducing stiffness and promoting flexibility.

4. Stay Active and Hydrated

Even mild dehydration can make your joints feel tighter. Drink water regularly and try to move your hands throughout the day — typing breaks, opening and closing fists, or light stretches every hour help maintain comfort.


5. Protect Your Hands

When it’s cold, even short exposure can increase stiffness. Wear gloves both indoors (compression gloves if needed) and outdoors. Avoid gripping cold steering wheels, tools, or grocery carts with bare hands — pre-warm first!

Build Your Cold-Weather Hand Care Kit

Your “winter hand wellness kit” might include:

  • 🕯️ A paraffin bath for deep, soothing heat

  • 🧤 Microwavable gloves for daily use

  • 🔋 Rechargeable hand warmers for outdoor time

  • 🩵 Compression gloves for mild warmth and support

Together, these small tools can make a big difference in comfort, dexterity, and mobility through the colder months.

(Image suggestion: flat-lay photo of all tools — gloves, hand warmer, wax bath — with cozy fall background.)


🌊 A Note from Baytide Health

At Baytide Health, we provide concierge hand and physical therapy across the Connecticut shoreline — right in your home.

If you’re noticing more stiffness or pain this season, our therapists can help you create a customized hand-care routine and choose tools that fit your needs.

💙 Serving: Westbrook • Old Saybrook • Old Lyme • East Lyme • Waterford • Mystic • Groton📞 Book your session or learn more: www.baytidehealth.com

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(860) 809-5811

Connecticut, USA

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