How Obesity Can Result In Knee Pain and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Obesity has many consequences to your health, including an increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Most individuals are aware of these common factors, but there are other challenges that some patients may not realize. The relationship between obesity and knee pain is one such challenge.

If you have felt pain while walking or running, you may be experiencing this lesser known ramification: knee pain resulting from obesity. Common in millions of Americans, there are many ties between joint strength and excess weight. In order to preserve your mobility and reduce the chance of requiring a knee replacement surgery, losing weight is critical.

The Science Behind Joint Pain

The connection between obesity and knee pain is highly evident. Carrying too much weight on the body puts pressure on the joints, leading to premature arthritis and joint damage over time. While some patients are able to stay relatively mobile, even while carrying extra weight, most begin to feel the pain of obesity within several years.

In mathematical terms, every pound of excess weight puts approximately four additional pounds of pressure on the joints. This means a person who is 100 pounds overweight puts an extra 400 pounds of pressure on his knees, hips, and ankles with every step forward. This kind of extreme force causes a rapid deterioration that can lead to significant problems later in life.

 Obesity’s Connection To Rheumatoid Arthritis

In addition to the simple logistics of weight and joint pressure, there are also ties between obesity and other severe joint conditions. In fact, some of the inflammatory chemicals that can affect joint pain are actually tied to the onset of rheumatoid arthritis.

Known as cytokines, these naturally-occurring substances have a negative effect on numerous systems throughout the body, including the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems. The onset of RA can lead to extreme pain throughout the body, severely affecting mobility over time.

Knee Pain Relief With Weight Loss Surgery

For those suffering from the early stages of joint and knee pain, weight loss surgery is an effective way to relieve the pressure on joints and promote healthy activity. For those who meet necessary qualifications, a gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, or adjustable gastric band procedure can provide immediate relief to the body.

For individuals with severe damage to the joints, a joint replacement procedure may also be recommended. As morbidly obese individuals are more likely to have poor postoperative outcomes, losing weight through bariatric surgery can be a positive first step in regaining healthy joint function.

Excess weight creates many problems throughout the body, including a connection between obesity and knee pain. If you are experiencing pain or pressure, weight loss surgery may be the right answer for you. Contact Olde Del Mar Surgical today to learn more about the weight loss procedures we offer.