Why Even Small Weight Gain Increases Chances for Knee Replacement Surgery

Why Even Small Weight Gain Increases Chances for Knee Replacement Surgery
  • According to researchers, just an 11-pound weight gain can make both men and women more likely to have knee replacement surgery.
  • Experts say they have long suspected the link between body weight and knees because of the extra force that extra weight puts on joints. exercise is a good way to reduce the risk of knee replacement surgery.
This may not be great news for those looking forward to the holidays, but new research shows that even a few extra pounds can put a strain on an adult's knees.

Last week, at the International Obesity Conference in Melbourne, Australia, just 11 pounds of weight increased the odds of needing knee replacement surgery by a third for women and a quarter for men. Scientists say it's possible.

Researchers say that even without surgery, extra weight can increase pain and stiffness in the knee, reducing a person's quality of life and limiting their ability to use the knee properly. I'm here.

However, a person who loses 10% or more of his body weight may improve knee arthritis, researchers say.

Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints wears away over time, causing the bones to rub against each other and can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness.

"In other words, osteoarthritis is more likely to develop and progress rapidly the more weight you weigh." Professor Anita Urka said in a statement from the International Conference on Obesity:

This study has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Details on knee surgery and weight study
Wluka's team looked at 20 previous studies that looked at the link between weight gain and osteoarthritis.

After combining the results of her two large studies of more than 250,000 people, the researchers found that weight gain had a significant negative impact on her knee joints, including damage visible on her x-rays. concluded.

An 11-pound increase in her weight increased the likelihood of total knee replacement by 35% in women and 25% in men.

"This is particularly worrying," said Urka. “Knee replacement surgery is expensive, 1 in 5 people are dissatisfied with the results, and continue to have pain after surgery. Those with persistent pain may need a second surgery. , which is more costly and less likely to control pain."

The link between weight and knee surgery
Benjamin Bends, PhD, orthopedic surgeon and director of specialty surgery at the Center for Hip Replacement at Providence St. John Health Center in California, told Healthline physicians he had long believed there was a link between weight and arthritis.

"Especially in high-load joints (such as hips and knees)," says Bengs. "This study adds compelling data to support this association and an increased likelihood of knee replacement surgery." He added that he hadn't thought about whether he would be able to demonstrate his full strength.

“We use the term joint reaction force,” says Bengs. "The knee has to withstand not only body weight, but also the working muscle forces and mechanical moments that double the load on the knee joint. And that's just one step.

Bengs adds 11 pounds to a person This effectively adds 20 to 30 pounds of strength to the joint, he says.

"Eventually, cartilage begins to erode, which can later lead to arthritis," Bengs explains. Did.

Other factors in knee health
The good news is that most people can improve their knee health without losing a lot of weight. Because it's hard not to lose weight after achieving it," Dr. Jeffrey Zarin, an orthopedic surgeon at the Cedars Sinai Karlan Job Institute in Los Angeles, told Healthline.

Zarin said weight isn't the only factor in determining knee health. Past trauma, genetics, and work (people who stand and walk all day) also play a role.

“A remaining mystery is that we can clearly identify why some people are more prone to the pain and inflammation associated with this injury than others. Lalitha McSorley told Healthline that sedentary work is a big factor. "During tax season, they often find her sitting eight to 12 hours a day. It makes sense that this lifestyle can lead to weight gain, but many nervous and angry It also builds muscle.

How to improve knee health
According to McSoreley, there are some simple ways to improve knee health.

“The first and most obvious is exercise. It helps you lose weight and fat, build lean muscle, and keep your knees healthy. Strengthening/stretching the quadriceps and hamstrings.Isolated quad extensions and isolated hamstring curls are my favorite exercises.She recommended the 'clamshell' exercises.

"First, lie on your side in bed. Bring your heels together and stabilize your hips. Make sure your heels, hips, and shoulders are in line," McSoreley said. While maintaining contact, lift your top leg 3 to 4 inches, being careful not to rotate your hips. Hold for 5 seconds. This movement should be slow and controlled. Do this 10 times.

Bengs recommends activities such as elliptical and stationary bikes and strength training.

Zarin added that using the feet is key to interacting with the physical world.

“In the past, mobility compromises were more forgiving,” says Zarin. “When my arthritis ‘curse’ wears my knees down, I end up in a wheelchair out onto the balcony.

"Mobility is key now that people are living longer and spending more of their lives active," said Her Majesty the Empress. “Protecting leg health comes down to staying fit, staying flexible, and keeping your weight within a healthy range.”

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