Why are obese at high risk of developing Arthritis

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.