The Weight of Obesity

Weight loss may save you from severe joint pain and brittle bones

Dr. Brent Carter

Obesity is a common focus in health-related industries, but did you know that excess weight can also affect your joints and weaken your bones? Obesity is frequently the foundation of osteoarthritis and brittle bones. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is caused by the wear and tear and overuse of joints. Excess body fat can also promote the development of arthritis by releasing chemicals that increase the development of inflammation within the body.

Harvard Medical School reports that on level ground, a 200 pound person puts about 300 pounds of pressure on his or her knees just by walking. This is equivalent to 1.5 times the individual’s body weight. This burden increases significantly when walking up and down the stairs or squatting. According to Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center, an additional 10 pounds of weight can increase the force on the knee 30-60 pounds with each step.

If you are affected by excess weight or obesity, you are likely putting extra stress on weight-bearing joints, such as the knees, hips, feet, ankles and spine. Because of the stress that additional body weight is putting on your joints, wear and tear is more likely to occur. This can put your body at risk of developing osteoarthritis because the excess weight will put additional strain on the cartilage, causing it to wear down. Without the cushion of the cartilage, the surface of the bones in the joint will rub against one another causing severe joint pain, swelling and stiffness.

Aside from joint-related issues, obesity also puts you at risk of developing weakened bones that are prone to breaks or fractures. When higher levels of stress are placed on bones, they will eventually wear down, creating fragile and easily broken bones.

The important thing to learn is how to protect your body from the painful consequences of obesity and the overuse of your joints. Losing weight is a proactive measure for fighting osteoarthritis. Exercising and eating healthy, well-balanced meals can help to not only lose weight but to maintain healthy bones and joints as well. Low-impact exercises, such as walking, biking, swimming, yoga and stretching can help build strength and promote proper range of motion in your joints. In addition, incorporating calcium and Vitamin D in your meals will promote bone mass development and help prevent brittle bones.

Weight loss can prove to be advantageous for your joint health. Studies have shown that obese individuals who lost approximately 11 pounds reduced their risk of developing osteoarthritis by 50 percent. Losing weight not only decreases your likelihood of developing arthritis, it also prevents bones from becoming brittle and prone to breakage.

If the damaged joint causes severe pain, the best option may be to replace the injured joint with an artificial joint. According to Obesity Action Coalition, obese individuals are 20-times more likely to need a knee replacement surgery than one of average weight and they are also likely to need this surgery many years before someone who is not affected by obesity.

If you are preparing for joint replacement surgery, it is important to shed those extra pounds to ensure that your body will be able to heal without additional stress being placed on the joints. Many doctors recommend reducing your weight and body mass index (BMI) before surgery. In fact, weight loss may allow you to delay surgery, or reduce the need for it at all. Obesity makes you a potentially high-risk patient for replacement surgery.

If you are experiencing joint pain, it is important to speak with a doctor to discuss your options for pain relief. Dr. Brent Carter and his staff are ready to answer your questions.

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Dr. Brent Carter
Podiatric Physician & Surgeon
(352) 388-4680
www.americanfootankle.com
1714 SW 17th St, Ocala, FL 34471