11 December 2025 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : As the temperature drops, more people report stiffness, back pain and joint discomfort. Far from being imagined, winter pain has strong physiological roots and can be an early warning sign for deeper orthopaedic issues.
Why the Body Hurts More in Winter
Dr. Rakesh Rajput, HOD & Director, Orthopaedics, CMRI Kolkata, believes the spike in winter pain is a pattern seen across all age groups.
“Winter pain is real. We consistently see joint, muscle and back pain intensify during colder months.”
He explains that cold weather affects several systems at once. Muscles and soft tissues tighten, reducing flexibility; blood vessels narrow, limiting oxygen and nutrient supply to joints; and the body removes metabolic waste more slowly, increasing soreness.
“Lower sunlight exposure also leads to Vitamin D dips, which weakens bone and muscle function,” he adds.
People with arthritis or previous injuries are particularly sensitive, as changes in barometric pressure can trigger tissue swelling and pain flare-ups.
Dr. Rajput also highlights that CMRI is seeing a higher number of winter-related consultations this season.
“Timely evaluation and guided treatment are essential when pain intensifies during winter.”
He points to CMRI’s newly launched Bone Bank, Kolkata’s first private-sector bone bank as a major advancement for patients with severe joint damage.
“High-quality, ethically sourced bone grafts help us perform complex reconstructions with better outcomes and faster recovery.”
When Winter Pain Becomes a Warning Sign
The drop in temperature affects even those without arthritis or a diagnosed condition.
According to Dr. Aashish K. Sharma, Director – Orthopedics & Joint Replacement, CK Birla Hospitals Jaipur, “The synovial fluid inside joints thickens in winter, blood circulation decreases and tissues around the joints stiffen. Even healthy people feel this as tightness or morning stiffness.”
For individuals with arthritis, old injuries or Vitamin D deficiency, the pain can be significantly worse.
But Dr. Sharma stresses that people should not simply tolerate these symptoms. “Persistent winter pain is often an early sign of cartilage wear, disc problems or biomechanical imbalance. Delaying attention allows the condition to worsen by spring.”
Modern Orthopaedic Care Enables Faster Relief
The positive news is that treatment options have advanced rapidly.
“We now have minimally invasive joint procedures, precision arthroscopy, robotic knee and hip replacements, and regenerative therapies like PRP,” Dr. Sharma explains. “These allow earlier intervention, better outcomes and quicker recovery.”
Alongside medical care, simple daily habits, stretching, warm compresses, indoor mobility exercises and adequate hydration can reduce symptoms.
Stay Active and Pain-Free This Winter
Both experts agree on a key takeaway: Seasonal pain is common, but persistent pain is not normal.
Winter should not compromise mobility. With proper assessment, early treatment and modern orthopaedic solutions, individuals can remain active and pain-free throughout the colder months
Summary:
Cold winter months can intensify joint, muscle, and back pain. Experts explain that lower temperatures can cause muscles to stiffen, joints to ache, and inflammation to worsen, making discomfort more noticeable during the season.