Do You Suffer from Sharp Knee Pain?
Do you often feel sharp knee pain that just doesn’t go away? Is it a struggle to get up in the morning, with your knees feeling like they’re locked in place?
Maybe it’s painful to kneel down and pick up your daughter or granddaughter, or perhaps every step from your car to the grocery store feels like a marathon.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many people experience this kind of knee pain, especially if they are overweight.
Why Obese People Experience Knee Pain
Knee pain can become a constant part of daily life for those who are overweight.
You might notice swelling and need to ice your knees every night, or you might worry that your knees might give out when you walk.
This pain can be isolating, causing you to miss social gatherings and activities you once loved.
Even if your situation isn’t this severe, being overweight increases the likelihood of knee pain and puts you at a high risk of developing knee osteoarthritis.
Understanding Osteoarthritis
So, what exactly is osteoarthritis? It’s a condition where the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time.
This can affect any joint but is most common in the knees, hips, hands, and spine.
According to medical research, there’s a 36% increased risk of developing osteoarthritis with every 5 kg weight gain.
Let’s explore how obesity and a higher BMI contribute to this risk.
Mechanical Stress
Increased weight puts extra pressure on weight-bearing joints, especially the knees.
For every pound of weight gain, the force on the knee joint increases by 2-3 pounds when walking. This constant pressure leads to faster wear and tear of the cartilage in the joint.
Biochemical Changes
Adipose tissue (fat) is not just inert; it’s metabolically active and produces various substances, such as pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6) and adipokines (e.g., leptin, adiponectin).
These substances can promote low-grade systemic inflammation, which can damage cartilage and other joint tissues over time.
Metabolic Factors
Obesity is often associated with metabolic syndrome, which includes insulin resistance, elevated blood glucose levels, and abnormal lipid profiles.
These factors contribute to the degradation of cartilage and joint tissues.
Altered Biomechanics
Excess weight can change how a person walks, known as their gait.
This altered gait pattern can distribute weight unevenly across the joint, leading to localized areas of increased stress and further damage.
Accelerated Aging of Joint Tissues
The combination of mechanical stress and biochemical changes can accelerate the aging process of joint tissues.
The increased stress and inflammation associated with obesity impair the already limited repair ability of cartilage.
Reduced Physical Activity
Obese individuals may be less physically active due to the pain, leading to muscle weakness around the joint, reducing its stability and support.
This inactivity can contribute to more weight gain, perpetuating the cycle.
Breaking the Cycle with Bariatric Surgery
One effective way to break this cycle is through bariatric surgery.
Bariatric surgery can be a real game-changer, especially for those who are severely obese and looking to prevent osteoarthritis.
Here’s why this surgical intervention can make a significant difference:
Every kilogram of weight lost takes about 4 kilograms of pressure off your knees when you walk.
So, imagine if you lose 40 kilograms – that’s 160 kilograms less stress on your knees and hips! Bariatric surgery often leads to significant weight loss, typically around 60-80% of excess weight.
This reduction not only eases the pressure on your joints but also reduces the amount of inflammatory substances produced by fat tissue.
Less fat means less inflammation in your body, including your joints.
With less weight to carry around, you’ll find it easier to move.
This increased activity strengthens the muscles around your joints, providing better support and stability.
Moreover, bariatric surgery can improve conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, both of which are linked to an increased risk of osteoarthritis.
The surgery can also affect hormones that play a role in joint health and inflammation.
Don’t let obesity control your life. Take a step towards better health today.
One of the best bariatric surgeons in India is Dr. Shashank Shah, who has performed over 10,000 bariatric procedures. Schedule your consultation here.
