What Mosquitoes, Humidity, and My Knees Have in Common This Time of Year

It’s that time again — when the air feels like a warm, sticky blanket, mosquitoes seem to be training for a full-on invasion, and my knees start acting like they’ve got their own bad attitude.Before you roll your eyes at another ‘summer pain’ warning, here’s a fresh take on why that happens and how I try to stay ahead of it.

The Heat-Humidity-Pain Connection: More Than Just a Feeling 🔥

You already know joints and nerves can be stubborn year-round. But when the humidity hits, it’s not just in your head — the science behind it is pretty interesting (and a bit sneaky):

• Blood Vessel Behavior: Heat makes your vessels expand, increasing fluid buildup around joints. That extra puffiness makes the ache louder.

• Less Lubrication, More Friction: When you sweat and don’t hydrate enough, your joints get less slippery than they should be. That friction? Yeah, it’s your pain’s best friend.

• Nerve Sensitivity: Nerves don’t like heat and humidity any more than we do — they get aggravated, which can make nerve pain flare up unexpectedly.

• The Mosquito Angle: While they’re not causing joint pain, mosquitoes love humid weather and can make outdoor movement less appealing. That means less fresh air and more stiffness creeping in.

What I Do When the Temps (and Bugs) Rise 🦟

We all know the basics — hydrate, move, cool down — but here’s some fresh insight and reminders to make those tips work even better when summer’s in full swing:

 

💧 Hydrate Like a Boss — But Think Electrolytes, Not Just Water

When it’s hot and sticky, you’re losing more than water — minerals like potassium and magnesium also take a hit. I add a pinch of electrolyte powder or a splash of natural coconut water to keep those muscles and nerves happy. It’s a game changer for joint comfort.

 

🚶 Move — But Time It Right

Let’s face it — sometimes you’ve got to get outside. Maybe it’s your walking group, maybe it’s your mental health, or maybe your dog is just relentless. I get it.

But summer movement takes a little strategy. Here’s what I do when I have to be outside:

✅ I aim for early morning or later evening. Even shaving off a few degrees can make a big difference in how much inflammation shows up after.

✅ I stick to shaded routes. Trees are your best friend. I’ll even do loops in a park just to stay in the shade.

✅ I cool down before I heat up. A splash of cold water on the wrists or neck before heading out actually helps me stay cooler longer — weird but it works.

So if you're itching to get outside for your exercise routine, just be smart about when and how. The goal is to stay active without setting your joints or nerves off.

 

❄️🔥 Cool Down — Try Contrast Therapy

I know — when it’s already blazing outside, the last thing you might think about is using heat. But hear me out.

Contrast therapy (alternating between warm and cold) is one of my go-to tricks when my knees or back start complaining. Here's why it works:

• Warmth helps relax tight muscles and improves blood flow.

• Cold helps calm inflammation and numb those sharp nerve twinges.

It’s especially helpful when joints feel stiff and swollen (which is pretty common in humid weather). I’ll do 10 minutes warm, 10 minutes cold, and repeat once or twice. You can use a warm towel and a cold gel pack — nothing fancy.

 

🌀 Bug-Proof Your Space — Use Fans Smartly

Mosquitoes hate wind — they’re weak fliers. So placing a fan near your favorite chair, porch seat, or even by your bed can create a bug-free zone without sprays or candles.

Bonus? The airflow keeps you cooler and helps reduce sweating. That’s a big deal, because sweaty, sticky skin can actually irritate nerves and make joint discomfort worse.

✅ Use oscillating fans outdoors or by open windows
✅ Aim fans low — mosquitoes tend to fly near the ground
✅ Combine with citronella or essential oils for extra bug-busting power

It’s simple, quiet, and works better than most repellents — especially when your skin’s already sensitive.

 

💊 Supplement Support — Stay Consistent (Even When You’re Feeling “Fine”)

Summer’s supposed to be fun — not filled with aches and flare-ups that sneak up the minute you’re more active (or just step outside). That’s why I don’t wait until things get bad — I stay consistent, even on the “pretty good” days.

Here’s what I keep stocked and why it matters this time of year:

• Outback Oil: This stuff is in my bag, my bathroom, and my truck. The ingredients work with time — so the longer you use it, the better the results. It’s my go-to before walks or yardwork and after any long day on my feet. Great for knees, back, feet — and yes, I’ve even used it on sunburned shoulders.
   
  👉 Tip: Keep one in the fridge — feels amazing after a hot day outside.

• Magnesium+: With all the extra sweating in summer, your body loses magnesium faster than you think. And when you’re low, your muscles and nerves will absolutely let you know. I take this daily to keep cramps, stiffness, and those annoying nerve zings in check — especially after yardwork or travel days.

So whether you’re already stocked or thinking, “Dang, I meant to order more,” take this as your friendly nudge. Staying ahead now means fewer bad days later — and a much better summer.

👉 Restock with the Outback Relax Pack

 

Here’s Something to Think About 🤔

Have you noticed that some summers your joint and nerve pain feel worse than others? I’ve found that small changes in humidity and hydration make a bigger difference than I expected. Maybe it’s time to experiment a little and find what helps you feel better when the heat hits.

What’s one simple change you could try this week? I’d love to hear what works for you.

Mark

P.S. A little hydration and a little cool-down might be the easiest “tweaks” you try this summer — and your knees might just thank you for it.