When weight presses on a joint, it stresses the joint and leads to wear
and tear. The weight-bearing joints—knees, hips and ankles—are
most at risk. For every pound of excess weight carried, 4 pounds of extra
pressure is applied to the knees. This means that if you are 10 pounds
overweight, your knees are absorbing 40 pounds of extra pressure. This
can damage the joints over time.
Increased wear and tear is not the only problem those extra pounds create
for your joints. Chemicals created and released in fat tissue may lead
to inflammation. The inflammation breaks down joints more quickly, causing
osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Chemicals from excess fat also
may trigger autoimmune conditions like lupus and fibromyalgia.
The good news is that as you lose the extra weight, pressure on the joints
and inflammation decreases. This helps to lessen the pain associated with
wear and tear on the joint.
Please remember to talk to your health care provider before making any
major changes to your diet or exercise routine. If you need to establish
a relationship with a personal health care provider, call
(985) 230-7850 or
click here to learn more about North Oaks Physician Group's exceptional doctors
and practice locations throughout Tangipahoa and Livingston Parishes.