How Vitamin D Deficiency Impacts Bone and Joint Health in the Winter

Joint pain and stiffness can feel worse in the colder months for many people, especially in the hips and knees. You might find it harder to move around comfortably day to day. If you’re concerned about bone strength, mobility, or your ability to recover from surgery, it can be helpful to know there’s a link between vitamin D deficiency and your joint health. 

Dr. Alexander S. McLawhorn is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and joint reconstruction specialist serving New York City and Stamford, Connecticut. He works with many patients who experience joint discomfort and injuries. Winter can be especially challenging for maintaining your joint health, but there are ways to address these issues so you can stay active.

Why Does Vitamin D Deficiency Happen in Winter?

Vitamin D is known as the “sunshine vitamin” because your body makes it when your skin is exposed to sunlight. But in the winter, shorter days and cold weather limit your time outdoors, and you get less of that much-needed sun exposure. The lack of sunlight can lead to low vitamin D levels, especially if you already experience joint pain.

How Vitamin D Affects Bone and Joint Health

Vitamin D plays a major role in helping your body absorb calcium, which strengthens bones. When vitamin D levels drop, your bones may become brittle or weak, putting you at greater risk of fractures. For those already experiencing joint pain or conditions like arthritis, vitamin D deficiency can worsen inflammation and discomfort. Low vitamin D can also affect the success of joint surgeries, as healthy bones are important for healing. 

While sunlight is limited in winter, there are still other ways to get enough vitamin D. Foods like fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and eggs are great sources of vitamin D. You may also want to talk to your doctor about taking supplements, especially if you have a more severe deficiency.

Schedule a Consultation

Dr. McLawhorn’s expertise in hip and knee joint health allows him to guide patients in managing these challenges. Whether you are considering surgery or simply want to keep your joints healthy, he can help you find the right approach.

Call Dr. McLawhorn’s office in NYC at 212-606-1065 or Stamford, CT, at 203-705-2113 to schedule your consultation today.