What Causes Leg Pain When In Cold Temperatures?

Posted on Wed, 25 Mar 2015

Question: I noticed that while on vacation in XXXXXXX CA and then New Orleans, USA that the cold air conditioning in the hotels made my bones hurt. Not the joints specifically, just my legs overall. New Orleans was around 20 -25 degrees Celsius and damp from the rain. That appeared to affect me as well. I only experienced this once before at my office when the air conditioning was on high and blasting very cold air (it was broken). I eventually had to leave the office as I was in pain. It took a few days for the chill to wear off and things to return to normal I have never experienced other symptoms. Is this an early sign of rheumatoid arthritis? My mother has this condition. If so, what can be done to prevent it from becoming a normal occurrence as with my mother? Are their diet changes? Is there anything preventative?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (45 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Feeling cold is not related to RA

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case. I can assure you that feeling cold and stiff under air conditioning does not make you prone for Rheumatoid arthritis. It is not a warning sign.
As You said that you have family history of Rheumatoid arthritis, so there is a chance that you can have RA but possibility is low, and you are already 47. RA usually occurs at or below 30.
As far as prevention from Rheumatoid arthritis is concerned, there is not much you can do . I would suggest you to take good nutrition, calcium and vitamins D3 daily. Avoid smoking. Rheumatoid arthritis is a immunity related disorder and there is no preventive medication for it.
You can get blood test like RA factor and Anti CCP antibody test regularly to diagnose it at early stage. If it positive than you can start treatment early and prevent complications.
I hope this answer will be helpful for you. Let me know if there is any other follow up questions.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (2 days later)

Ok. I was worried because i was not only cold; I was in pain.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
There is very less chances of RA

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
When I explained earlier I mean both for cold and pain. Feeling painful in air conditioner is not always indicator of disease. Some time it can happen with a normal person also. So if it has happened only once or twice you should not think that you are developing Rheumatoid arthritis.Your chances of getting RA is very less. Still if you worried than you can get above mentioned tests.
Let me know if there is any other followup questions.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar