How your 2020 Resolution Can Help your Knee Problems
Do you suffer from knee pain? It could be due to being overweight. Over 70 percent of all Americans are overweight or obese. A BMI (Body Mass Index) of 25 or higher indicates overweight, while 30 or higher indicates obesity. Losing weight can benefit your body in many ways including relieving inflammation and stress on your joints. In fact, knee pain and back pain in particular are two of the most common complaints associated with being overweight.
Causes of Knee Problems
Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear on a joint. Being overweight increases this wear and tear in two ways. First, the extra weight you are carrying puts greater pressure on your joints. Second, the inflammation associated with being overweight also causes problems for your joints. This can be true for joints like knees and hips, but it is also true for other joints like those in the hands.
Weight Loss Can Help Knee Problems
The good news is that losing even a few pounds can provide relief for your aching joints, knee pain, and lower back pain. One study showed that women who lose 11 pounds, or decrease their BMI by just two points, can decrease their risk of osteoarthritis by 50%. If you increase your activity level and include strength training in your weight loss regimen, this is another factor that will boost your joint health. Stronger muscles are better able to support your joints.
Helpful Tips for Weight Loss
Losing weight and then maintaining that healthy weight are essential to overall health, joint health, and less knee problems. It is important to eat a healthy diet filled with nutrient rich foods. Some other steps you can take on your weight loss journey are:
- Eat smaller portions
- Practice only eating when you are hungry and stopping when you are full
- Take walks after meals
- Join and gym and meet with a trainer
- Cook meals at home rather than eating out
- Park farther away from the entrance to your office or grocery store
- Use a pedometer or other device to monitor your daily activity level
- Keep healthy snacks on hand
Follow these 8 simple steps, and you will be on your way to healthier joints as well as a healthier lifestyle! If you have already been successful in getting to a healthy weight and still have knee problems, it may be time to see a specialist. The doctors at Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group can assess your condition and create a treatment plan that will help alleviate your knee pain.
