02/23/2026
Although people often say they can feel the cold “in their bones,” bones themselves do not directly sense temperature the way skin does. However, cold weather affects the periosteum—the outer lining of bone—as well as joints, tendons, and ligaments, making them stiffer and more sensitive. Lower temperatures also thicken synovial fluid in joints and reduce blood flow to extremities, increasing discomfort and mechanical strain. High humidity, common in places like the UK, speeds up heat loss from the body and can intensify the sensation of cold. Additionally, low sunlight exposure and reduced vitamin D levels in winter may heighten pain sensitivity, making cold weather feel even more uncomfortable.
