Arthritis and Obesity
Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative arthritis, is the most common form of arthritis and is experienced by millions of people world-wide. Osteoarthritis can develop inany joint in the body, but most commonly appears in the knees, hips, hands, neck and lower back. Osteoarthritis develops when the cartilage that protects the ends of your bones begins to wear down over time. There is no direct cure for osteoarthritis, but treatment and preventative measures can relieve pain and delay the development of the disease.
Symptoms of Arthritis
The symptoms of osteoarthritis often develop slowly and grow more severe overtime. Symptoms of arthritis include:
- Pain in your joints after moving around
- Tenderness in the affected joint area when a light amount of pressure is applied
- Stiffness in the joint
- Loss of flexibility, or inability to move your joint to its full range of motion
The affected joint may become extra painful if a bone spur develops. This occurs when extra bits of bone break off and form hard lumps around the painful area. If you feel stiffness in your joints or notice swelling that lasts for several weeks you should contact your physician immediately.
Osteoarthritis often develops as a result of lifestyle factors. One of the biggest risk factors in the development of osteoarthritis is being obese or severely overweight. Being obese means that you are carrying an excess amount of weight around with you, which places extra stress on joints like your knees. Other risk factors that increase your risk for developing arthritis include:
- Increased age
- Being female
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Bone deformities
In certain situations, your occupation can also increase your risk of developing arthritis. Long term repetitive movements can cause increased stress on your joints, which could lead to the development of osteoarthritis.
Treatment for Arthritis
If you are experiencing pain from osteoarthritis in your joints, there are a variety of lifestyle remedies that may help relieve your pain. Increasing your exercise level and losing weight can help to minimize your discomfort. Weight loss surgery such as the lap band procedure can help you to lose weight and reduce the pain in your joints. In addition, it is important to rest your joints. If you are experiencing a great deal of pain, try reducing movement in that joint for 12 to 24 hours. In addition, hot and cold compresses and over-the counter pain creams can help stop the pain associated with arthritis.
Suggested Reading
How Minimally Invasive Bariatric Procedures Are Changing Lives
Nutritional Guidelines for Bariatric Surgery Preparation: Ensuring the Best Outcomes
Navigating Your Weight Loss Journey: When to Consider Weight Loss Therapy
Also In This Section
- Understanding the Risks and Rewards of Gastric Sleeve Revision Surgery
- Gastric Bypass Surgery: Deciding If It’s Right for You with a Specialist’s Guidance
- The Connection Between Bariatric Surgery Psychology and Long-Term Weight Loss
- 5 Essential Supplements to Consider for Your Gastric Bypass Nutrition Plan
- The Role of Nutrition in Recovering from Gastric Bypass Surgery
- Top Reasons to Consider Lap Band Surgery in Michigan for Your Weight Loss Journey
- The Benefits of Surgical Weight Management: What You Need to Know
- Long-Term Success with Weight Loss
- Eating and Exercise Behavioral Changes to Lose Weight
- Weight Loss Doesn’t Come in a Can
- Sleep better to lose weight after weight loss surgery
- Set Up your Home for Weight Loss Surgery
- Bariatric Surgery Benefits Older Adults
- Sleep Better after Weight Loss Surgery
- Getting Active in the Cold
- How to Boost Your Health After Weight Loss Surgery
- Setting Realistic Goals After Surgery
- Eating in Restaurants After Weight Loss Surgery
- Can Being Overweight Hurt You in the Workplace?
- Strategies to Add Activity and Burn Calories after Bariatric Surgery
