Losing Weight Helps Knee Arthritis, Pain

To maintain your health and mobility, it is important for individuals to sustain a healthy weight through diet and regular exercise.

According to a recent study, weight gain of 11 pounds may increase some patients’ need for total joint replacement surgery.

Researchers reported the odds of knee surgery increases by 35 percent for women and 25 percent for men.

Weight Affects Osteoarthritis

Researchers from Melbourne, Australia, reviewed 20 prior studies that examined the relationship between weight gain and osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis, affecting 32.5 million US adults. With OA, the cartilage within a joint begins to break down and the underlying bone begins to change. Symptoms of arthritis can include swelling, pain and stiffness most frequently in the hands, hips and knees.

OA was more likely to develop with an 11-pound weight gain, which had significant negative effects on knee joints. Knee pain and stiffness increased while range of motion decreased, the study revealed.

“We know that people tend to put on nearly 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) a year as they get older, but the good news is that there is evidence from previous studies that it is possible to prevent weight gain,” lead researcher Anita Wluka, PhD, told Medical Xpress. Dr. Wluka works with the Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine.

Review Your Options

To achieve and maintain a healthy weight, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends following a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, getting optimal sleep and reducing stress.

Doctors may treat osteoarthritis of the knee with muscle strengthening exercises, medications and supportive devices, such as crutches or canes. Surgery may be recommended if other treatment options have not been effective. (CDC)

By implementing these treatments and losing 10 percent or more of total body weight, knee arthritis may improve for some patients. Other patients, however, might need a new artificial joint if the pain continues or worsens.

Total knee replacement surgery can offer relief if you are suffering from chronic pain caused by osteoarthritis or other joint problems. An orthopedic surgeon performs this procedure, which offers long-term relief from chronic joint pain.

It’s important not to delay your diagnosis and treatment for any knee problems. Schedule an appointment with your doctor.