Living With Knee OA: How Weight Loss Helps Ease Symptoms and Improve Joint Function

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of inflammatory joint disease, a wear-and-tear condition that breaks down cartilage and other tissue in the knee and other joints. The tissue deteriorates until exposed ends of bone start to painfully rub together, making every step excruciating. 

The knee is a weight-bearing joint, so it makes sense that it works harder the more weight it must carry. Savitri Gopaul FNP-BC and our team at Commonwealth Pain Management and Wellness in Richmond, Virginia, are specialists in treating knee and hip pain.

We know the relationship between weight and knee function when you’re carrying extra pounds. A key part of any OA management plan for the knee includes weight management considerations. 

The relationship between knee pain and body weight

Statistically, being overweight is a risk factor for developing OA in the knee and other weight-bearing joints. It’s estimated that the force exerted on the knees with each step is the equivalent of up to six times the weight of your body. 

Carrying extra pounds, of course, means a corresponding increase in the force exerted on your knee. And with wear-and-tear being a major contributor to OA, this extra load can be a significant factor in joint deterioration. 

How weight loss eases symptoms and improves joint function

Since the mechanics of walking is a force multiplier on the knee, losing even modest amounts of weight also represents a reduction of up to six times the amount of lost weight. Losing 5 pounds could mean taking 30 pounds of force off your knee with every step. 

More weight loss means more dramatic results. The dividing line of 10% of body weight is a good target, and you may be looking at major improvements in pain reduction and joint function. Some of the benefits of weight loss on knee OA include: 

• Pain relief — more weight loss means more pain relief, without needing other changes
• Slowed cartilage loss — weight loss means less wear-and-tear
• Reduced inflammation — less fat in your body reduces levels of inflammation systemwide
• Improved joint mobility — less force on the knee allows for better function and mobility
• Less pain and better knee function permits more activity, another way to cope with chronic OA

When your knee is under less physical stress, OA pain management becomes easier. You may be able to reduce levels of pain medication and increase low-impact exercise like swimming or walking, which in turn can often reduce OA symptoms and improve function. 

Find out more by calling us at Commonwealth Pain Management and Wellness or book online today.