The Connection Between Weight & Joint Pain

How Your Weight Affects Your Joint Health

As we get older, many factors can lead to arthritic conditions that affect our joints during everyday activities. Being overweight is a common culprit when it comes to bringing on these unwanted aches and pains.

What is Considered Overweight?

According to the CDC, being overweight or obese means that you are currently maintaining a higher body weight than what is considered a healthy range for your given height. Body mass index (BMI) is a tool used to determine if you are overweight or obese. This chart can help you determine your BMI for your height.

Your BMI can fall into one of the following ranges:

• Underweight: Lower than 18.5.
• Healthy weight: Between 18.5 and 24.9.
• Overweight: Between 25 and 19.9.
• Obese: Higher than 30.

Excess Weight and Your Joints

One of the main ways that excess weight can damage your musculoskeletal health is by adding stress to your weight-bearing joints like your knees and back. While it is normal to experience wear and tear to your joints over the years, this added pressure can cause cartilage damage to happen much quicker.

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

If being overweight is the source of your joint pain, there are plenty of things you can do to help you lose weight and maintain a healthy weight. Try out some of these tips to help you achieve a sense of relief:

• Get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week.
• Pay attention to your portion sizes when you eat.
• Cut out trans fats, added sugars, and salt.
• Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

If you have additional concerns about your weight and how it may be affecting your musculoskeletal health, be sure to talk to your orthopedist.

Orthopedic Care in Bishop, CA

At Northern Inyo Healthcare District, our team of orthopedists take a holistic approach to care, focusing on you as a whole person rather than specific symptoms or conditions. Whether you’re suffering from aches and pains or mobility issues, we’re here to help improve your quality of life.

For more information about the orthopedic services at Northern Inyo Healthcare District or to schedule an appointment, call (760) 873-2605.