Do people with arthritis really feel better in desert states?

Usually not: Studies as far back as those done by joseph hollander at the university of pennsylvania in the early 1960s showed that falling barometer pressure and high humidity caused increased arthritic pain. However, there is more that will influence pain than just climate. Stress is one of them. Move to the desert if you like the environment, not because you hope it will magically cure your arthritis.