Obesity is generally on a rise among Indians and therefore becoming a health concern. We all know obese person is always at an increasing risk of developing various other health problems. Among all these problems which is always linked to obesity is Osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is a
joint disorder in which the cartilage or cushion between the joints becomes
worn out or damaged, which leads to pain. The primary symptoms to identify
Osteoarthritis are pain and stiffness in joints especially after waking up in
the morning and after resting, weakness in joint muscles, mildly swollen
joints, reduced joint movements and cracking sounds from the joints. If any of
these symptoms are observed by you, do get yourself examined. Clinical
diagnosis of Osteoarthritis involves X-ray and MRI of the affected joint.
Though, the causes
behind the occurrence of this ailment may vary from aging to joint injury but
in some cases, even genetic factors are involved. But, obesity is undeniably a
prominent factor causing Osteoarthritis.
When we talk about
obesity, it is a term which is entirely different from being overweight.
Obesity is measured in terms BMI which is calculated by square of Height and
Weight. When a person’s BMI is more than 30, he/she is considered as obese.
As a person gains
weight, an extra amount of pressure falls on his joints. This added pressure
leads to weakening of the bones and the surrounding cartilage. That’s not all;
it also leads to strain on ligaments and muscles around the affected joints,
which in the long run leads to Osteoarthritis. Remember, for each 4-5 kg of
increased weight, a minimum of 14 kg of extra pressure is put on joints.
Losing weight is the only
way out in order to protect from the dangers of developing Osteoarthritis
caused by obesity. Exercising and managing diet is the best way to lose weight.
But if you are already suffering from arthritis, the practice of exercising becomes
difficult. Due to pain in the joints, one looses the drive to exercise and lose
weight. With proper guidance from a trained physiotherapist, an arthritis
patient can manage to exercise and lose those extra kilos, without worsening
the existing problem.
With reduced weight,
the pressure on the joints too will decrease which can help in preventing
Osteoarthritis. In addition, muscle strengthening exercises can help strengthening
the core muscles, which can further delay the occurrence of Osteoarthritis. But
if you are already experiencing the symptoms, then also, these measures can
help in coping up with the pain.
Apart from weight
reduction and exercising, another important thing that a patient suffering from
Osteoarthritis should keep in mind is having medicines prescribed by the doctor
diligently. Your doctor may suggest you some pain killers along with calcium
and other vitamin supplements in order to maintain the bone strength. Have a
healthy and balanced diet. Include milk and milk products, meat, fish etc. in
your diet as they are very important for the health of your bones.
In some extreme cases
of Osteoarthritis, doctors suggest a joint surgery or joint replacement
surgery. This is done as a last measure when all other treatment measures have
failed to give relief to the patient. But even at this stage there is nothing
to fear as with the advent of advance technology, even surgeries have become
extremely safe offering high rate of recovery.
But one line, I
always say “Prevention is better than cure”. Osteoarthritis is completely
preventable, if you keep your weight in check.
Dr Sudeep Jain
Spine Surgeon
Director
Spine Solutions India
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