The
primary reason that weight is important for arthritis patients is a purely
physical reason. Carrying less body weight is less stressful on the
weight-bearing joints (hips, knees, ankle, back). Extra pounds can increase
pain. According to research, as you walk, your hips, knees, and ankles bear
three to five times your total body weight. For every pound you are overweight,
it is akin to adding three to 5 pounds of extra weight to each knee while you walk.
If you lose 10 pounds, that is equivalent to thirty to fifty pounds of stress
subtracted from the joint.
Think
of what it is like to lift a 10-pound bag of potatoes. That gives you a better
idea of how much stress you can relieve from your joints by controlling your
weight. Bottom line: Maintaining your ideal body weight is healthy for your
joints.
Obesity
and Osteoarthritis
Being
overweight is considered a risk factor for osteoarthritis. Johns Hopkins
population-based studies have linked being overweight or obese to developing
knee osteoarthritis. One study indicated that women who were obese had four
times the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis compared to non-obese women.
Obese men had five times the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis.
Weight
Management for Better Overall Health
Weight
management should be viewed as an integral part of arthritis management. Not
only should weight be managed for reasons associated with joint protection,
weight loss can help prevent or control other co-morbid conditions such as
hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and other health complications.
It
takes commitment and a good attitude to make progress toward losing weight. If
you aren't ready to commit to a weight loss regimen, then focus on weight
maintenance so that you don't gain weight.
Weight
Loss Is Not Easy But;
Keeping your eye on the goal
is a big part of strengthening your commitment. First, realize how you will
benefit by losing weight. Internalize the reasons for your goal and never lose
sight of it. Perhaps writing in a journal will help you keep focused. Finding a
support system of one person or many people who are trying to lose weight can
help you keep your commitment to your weight loss plan.
According
to researchers from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore,
modest weight loss can result in significant improvements in function,
stiffness, knee pain, and overall quality of life. In a small study involving
forty-eight adults, a weight loss of fifteen pounds triggered a 50-percent
improvement in knee pain, stiffness, and function. The fifteen-pound weight
loss also correlated with a 40-percent improvement in the ability to do
physical tasks, a 20-percent boost in energy, and a 15-percent improvement in
the patient's social life.
Interested in getting the help you need? Good, then it's time to set up a
no-charge introductory therapeutic massage and consultation with one of our
highly trained specialist. http://www.painreliefteam.com/survey/
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