Your thermostat isn’t the only thing the cold affects. If you’ve noticed your joints getting stiff or harder to move when the temperature drops, you’re not imagining things. Many people feel worse in winter, even without having a specific joint injury.

At Amory Urgent Care, we hear from people each winter who describe feeling the same shift: mornings that take longer, motion that feels more restricted, and pain that doesn’t fade like it used to.

The good news is that these changes are common and manageable here at our urgent care clinic.

What’s really going on in your joints

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the body often reacts to cold in ways that make joint pain more likely, especially for those living with arthritis or past injuries. Whenever it’s cold outside, your body:

Narrows blood vessels to hold warmth closer to your core, reducing circulation to the hands, feet and knees
Contracts muscles and soft tissues, which adds tension to surrounding joints
Slows nerve signals and reflexes slightly, making your movements feel less fluid
Reduces elasticity in tendons and ligaments, increasing your strain during normal daily activities

These slight changes add up. If your joints are already worn or inflamed, cold weather can amplify the discomfort and make even basic motion a chore.

Who’s more likely to feel joint pain in the cold

Joint pain from temperature drops can impact any age group. It tends to show up most of all in people whose joints already carry a history — old surgeries, arthritis or years of physically demanding work.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost 19 % of U.S. adults age 18 and older had diagnosed arthritis in 2022, which strongly indicates that underlying joint conditions are common.

At Amory Urgent Care, we often see it in those who’ve spent years standing, lifting, or repeating the same motions across long shifts. If your body has taken on that kind of load, cold weather can make that wear more noticeable.

What actually helps during the cold season

Managing joint pain doesn’t require a complete lifestyle change. Small, consistent efforts can protect your comfort through the winter months.

Keep your joints warm. Wear gloves, thermal socks and layers — especially if you’re active in the early morning or work in unheated spaces.
Stay in motion. Cedars Sinai notes that regular movement and exercise are among the most effective strategies for managing arthritis‑related joint stiffness in the colder months.

Warm compresses, heating pads or over-the-counter pain relievers can help temporarily. Topical creams can also ease surface-level symptoms. But if you’re using these remedies daily without lasting relief, it’s time to explore what’s causing the underlying pain.

When to go to urgent care

At Amory Urgent Care, we evaluate joint pain linked to weather, overuse or flare-ups from known conditions. No referral needed. Come see us even if you only need peace of mind.

We can provide:

Onsite X-rays and labs to check for arthritis, inflammation or structural damage
Focused exams to figure out whether your symptoms stem from the joint itself or from surrounding tissues

If it’s something we can treat in-house, we’ll walk you through your next steps. If it needs specialty care, we’ll coordinate that handoff clearly, so you’re not left figuring out how to make an appointment with an unfamiliar clinic on your own.

The solution is often simpler than you think. Don’t brush off joint pain strong enough to interfere with your work, sleep or daily life.

What to expect at Amory Urgent Care

Our clinic is open 7 days a week with walk-in availability. Most visits here take less time than a trip to the ER, and we’ll take your concerns seriously from the moment you check in.

Expect a hands-on evaluation, clear communication and access to imaging or basic labs if needed. Our team is here to help you leave with a concrete understanding of what lies behind your symptoms and a care plan that fits your needs.

Don’t let the weather decide how you move

If joint pain is affecting the way you live your life, let’s get it taken care of. Visit us here at Amory Urgent Care today — we’ll help you make sense of the pain and show you what’s possible.