As the UK is hit with storms this week, a new survey by joint care brand Regenovex has revealed that 72 per cent of respondents claim the weather has a negative impact on their joints.

More than half (55 per cent) reported that they suffered more joint problems such as discomfort and stiffness during cold periods, followed by damp weather (45 per cent), wet weather (38 per cent) and frosty weather (19 per cent). Just four per cent thought hot weather could trigger joint problems.

The biggest joint problems reported were discomfort (63 per cent), stiffness (56 per cent), difficulty getting up when seated (30 per cent), difficulty going up or down stairs (24 per cent) and difficulty moving (23 per cent).

When it comes to the areas of the body that are most affected by stiffness, more than half of the respondents (56 per cent) cited knees as the worst affected, followed by the back (39 per cent), the fingers (26 per cent), hips (25 per cent), hands and neck (both 20 per cent).

A third of respondents said they put up with the pain and didn’t take any further action, one in seven said they’d take OTC painkillers, while just five per cent said they’d see a GP or pharmacist about their problem.