Common Questions About Arthritis

Will a Warm Climate Help Arthritis?

Question: Will a warm climate help my mother-in-law's arthritis? She's becoming severely handicapped, has fallen four times in the past month, and is fearful of walking. She also claims her arms are weak.

Answer: First of all, I would assume that your mother-in-law has been seen by a physician who has evaluated her for the symptoms that you mention, including weak arms. You want to make sure that there is not a central nervous system component to this illness, such as a decrease in blood flow to the brain.

Many people are helped by a warm climate. But if you can't move to a warm climate, physical therapy and water exercise in both a lukewarm swimming pool and hot tub may be very useful for your mother-in-law. Again, make sure that there is no fainting or decrease in blood flow to the brain, as this would compromise her using these approaches.

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