When weight weighs on the joints...

When weight weighs on the joints... Overweight is important, the more it weighs on the joints. This is why people who suffer from obesity also very often have osteo-articular problems. The most common pathology is osteoarthritis of the knee, with a risk that increases even in case of moderate overweight.

Excess weight hurts joints
Obesity is an osteoarticular risk factor

In fact, excess weight exposes the joints to premature mechanical wear. This mechanical wear is related to the additional forces exerted on the joints in charge, but not only. A slightly different distribution of these forces is also noted in overweight people , sometimes giving them a different approach.

Knowing that the knees are subjected to a force representing 3 to 6 times the weight of the body when walking, we understand why the risk of knee osteoarthritis (osteoarthritis of the knee) is 4 to 5 times greater in people with obesity.

In the same way, hip prostheses are 2.5 times more common in obese subjects.

This is why people with weight problems have more osteoarthritis than others, especially osteoarthritis in the knees or hips, but also in the joints of the wrists and hands.

Affections are usually bilateral in case of obesity and the risk increases proportionally with the body mass index, but it exists even with low levels of weight.

Obesity leads to osteoarthritis or vice versa?

The pain of osteoarthritis is associated with a reduction in physical activity that can lead to sedentary lifestyle (a factor favoring weight gain), it has been shown that it is obesity that precedes the appearance of the osteoarthritis and not the other way around.

Adipose tissue can also alter the joints. Mechanical overload is not the only factor affecting the joints. Because fatty tissue is involved in the synthesis of many hormones and growth factors, abnormal levels could lead to cartilage and bone damage that promotes the development or worsening of osteoarthritis. Finally, fat overload, particularly abdominal, could have an influence on the bone mineral density.

It should be noted that overweight or obesity increases the risk of osteoarthritis by 4 or 5 by mechanical or metabolic effect.

What about overweight and other osteoarticular pathologies?

For low back pain, overweight does not seem to play a triggering role. On the other hand, excess weight could favor the transition to chronicity of low back pain. This is how overweight people also suffer from back pain.

Polyarthritis is an autoimmune disease involving genetic and environmental factors, not a weight factor.

The association with gout, however, is well known without really knowing why: people with gout are more often overweight.

Obesity and joints: practical tips
Weightloss

It is said that losing 500 g is enough to relieve the joints by 2 kg with each step.

If obesity can cause significant lesions in the musculoskeletal system, on the other hand good news, a weight loss , even modest (5 to 6% of body weight), can significantly improve the functional status of the musculoskeletal system. joints and alleviate the pain related to osteoarthritis.

Physical activity

The practice of an activity is highly recommended, but not just any. Depending on the condition of the joints , their location and symptoms, some exercises, by strengthening the muscles, help to strengthen the joints, reduce pain, joint stiffness, improve flexibility and slow the progression of osteoarthritis. In contrast, some exercises may further damage the joints. It is therefore necessary to speak to his doctor in order to establish a personalized program, possibly with the help of a physiotherapist.
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