Did you know and type of pressure change such as a hurricane or even thunderstorm can cause your joints to ache? Especially if you have arthritis.

Dr. Hulon Crayton says he tells meteorologists all the time they don't need fancy forecasting equipment to tell when a storm is approaching. His Patients are human barometers, and when they start aching that means something's coming.

Rheumatoid and osteo-arthritis patients are usually the best predictors of the weather.

Dr. Crayton says, "Not only does it hurt, but they stiffen up and feel like the tin man, they need oil. The joints will swell as well."

But arthritis is not just a joint problem.

According to Dr. Crayton "Arthritis can affect the bowel, the heart, the lung, the brain, the eyes, the nervous system, blood vessels, it can affect any system."

The good news is you don't have to suffer with the pain.

"Once they know what the association is, the things that trigger them, the things that make them worse, we can do some preemptive things."

He adds there have been more advancements in arthritis medication in the last 10 years than the previous 100, but you have to find what works for you.

"You're like a chef preparing a mixture for that individual, knowing what their body chemistry is."

He says just like the light on your car dash indicates a problem, pain anywhere in your body does the same thing.

"If we catch it early, we can sometimes prevent worse disease."

When asked if moving to a dry climate would help, Dr. Crayton say it depends on the patient, but there are just as many rheumatologists in Arizona as there are in Florida.

For More information on arthritis and the treatments available you can call the Arthritis and Infusion Center in Panama City. That number is 873-6748.