Whenever the holiday season approaches and the cold weather sets in, people try and find ways to take advantage of the climate. Whether it is skiing, hiking, or even knitting by the fire, people find different activities to do when the temperature drops. But some people may not enjoy the cold weather, and may in fact, prevent them from doing anything - arthritis.

Even though arthritis emerges from the natural wear and tear of the joints, loss of cartilage or damage of the joints, people seem to get worse arthritis pains due to the changes in weather, more specifically, cold weather.

Though many consider this a myth, MedicineNet.com reported that back in 1961, an arthritis specialist named J. Hollander, MD, conducted a study that demonstrated the influence changing weather has on joint pains. Even if people today dispute the study, it cannot be argued that people do feel worse pain when it gets cold.

This is because changes in the weather may cause joints to swell, and with swelling comes stiffness and pains. But when it's cold outside, according to TheWeatherNetwork.com, the muscles stiffen and can contribute to the worsening of arthritis symptoms.

But it should be said that some people also experience pains when the weather is hot, so it totally depends on the person. But since more people report arthritis pains when it gets cold or when it's rainy, what can people do to manage or prevent their arthritis pains?

Those with arthritis should keep their joints warm by dressing appropriately for the weather. Even with the whole debacle on weather affecting arthritis, try and find out when arthritis pains flare up and avoid activities in that type of weather.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, the only national not-for-profit organization, getting a massage can bring warmth and relaxation to the painful area, and that relaxing or meditating can give a person a sense of control and well-being that makes it easier to manage pain.

Exercising regularly and getting enough sleep can also provide significant help. But when these methods do not lessen the pain, consider getting surgery.