How weather affects PTTD: barometric pressure, cold, and heat

If you’ve noticed your foot pain getting worse on rainy days or when the temperature drops, you’re not imagining it. Many people with posterior tibial tendon dysfunction report that weather changes can affect their symptoms. While weather isn’t a direct cause of PTTD, understanding how it influences your condition helps you manage flare-ups.

Barometric pressure and PTTD

Barometric pressure—the weight of the air around us—changes with weather systems. When a storm approaches, pressure drops. This shift affects the tissues in your feet, particularly around the posterior tibial tendon.

Research on joint and tendon pain suggests that lower pressure may cause tissues to expand slightly. For an already inflamed or damaged tendon, this expansion can increase pressure inside the tendon sheath, leading to more pain or stiffness.

What you might notice

  • Increased ache or throbbing in the inner ankle and arch
  • Stiffness that’s harder to shake in the morning
  • A feeling of fullness in the foot, even when visible swelling isn’t present

These symptoms tend to be temporary. They often improve once the weather stabilizes. Keeping track of your symptoms alongside weather patterns helps you anticipate these fluctuations.

Cold weather considerations

Cold temperatures bring their own challenges for PTTD. Tendons and muscles become stiffer when they’re cold, which means your posterior tibial tendon may feel tighter and less flexible during winter.

Tips for cold weather

Stay warm. Keep your feet and ankles warm with layered socks, heated insoles, or warm boots. Warmth improves blood flow and keeps tissues more pliable.

Warm up properly. Before any physical activity, spend extra time warming up. Gentle ankle circles, calf stretches, and walking in place help prepare the tendon for movement.

Don’t skip stretching. Cold-induced stiffness makes stretching even more important. Hold each stretch for 20-30 seconds and never bounce.

Consider night splints. If morning stiffness is worse in cold weather, night splints help maintain Achilles tendon length and reduce pulling on your posterior tibial tendon.

Indoor exercise. If outdoor activities in the cold worsen your symptoms, switch to indoor options like swimming or cycling where you can control the temperature.

Hot weather considerations

While cold weather gets more attention, heat can also affect PTTD symptoms. High temperatures can lead to increased swelling in some people. Sweat can make feet slippery, affecting your gait and balance.

Tips for hot weather

Stay hydrated. Proper hydration supports tissue health and can help minimize swelling. Drink water throughout the day.

Choose breathable footwear. Breathable shoes and moisture-wicking socks help prevent excess sweating and keep your feet more stable.

Watch for swelling. Heat-related swelling can aggravate PTTD symptoms. If you notice increased swelling in warm weather, rest with your feet up more often. Ask your doctor about compression socks.

Avoid prolonged heat exposure. Long periods in hot environments can increase overall inflammation. Take breaks in cooler areas when possible.

Weather changes aren’t within your control, but you can control how you respond.

Track your patterns. Keep a simple journal noting symptoms and weather conditions. Over time, you may identify specific triggers—some people are sensitive to pressure drops, others to temperature extremes.

Plan ahead. If you know stormy weather is coming, consider scheduling rest or light activity days. Use heat or ice therapy. Wear supportive footwear consistently.

Don’t overcorrect. If your symptoms worsen with weather changes, avoid the temptation to dramatically change your treatment plan. Stick with what works unless your doctor advises otherwise.

When to seek help

A small increase in symptoms during weather changes is usually manageable. However, contact your healthcare provider if:

  • Pain becomes significantly worse without improvement when weather stabilizes
  • You notice new symptoms beyond your typical pattern
  • Swelling, redness, or warmth accompanies weather-related pain changes

The bottom line

Weather can influence PTTD symptoms through barometric pressure changes, temperature effects on tendon flexibility, and other mechanisms. While you can’t control the weather, understanding how it affects your condition helps you plan and respond appropriately.

Most people find that symptoms return to baseline once weather stabilizes. By tracking your patterns and using practical strategies—like staying warm in cold weather and staying hydrated in heat—you can minimize the disruption that weather changes cause.

Sources

  • Cleveland Clinic: Weather and joint pain research
  • Mayo Clinic: Tendon health and inflammation
  • Journal of Foot and Ankle Research: Barometric pressure effects on musculoskeletal pain