Weight and Joint Pain
The joints, similar to the spine, are cushioned by cartilage, which can compress and decompress. Excess weight on the joints causes the cartilage to compress and can cause damage to the joint over time. Weight Loss can be a lasting way to improve joint health and relieve joint pain. Small changes like measuring portion sizes, or even taking the stairs instead of the elevator are a great way to make small lifestyle changes.
Without losing excess weight, the consequences can include hyperextension of joints, cartilage degeneration (cartilage compresses and wears out quickly, essentially causing joints to lose cushioning), and eventual joint surgery in many cases. There is a strong correlation between excess weight and rheumatoid arthritis as well. The best way to start is with small diet changes and introducing moderately difficult activity to your routine.
This one is in progress, we need a little more info…
Do you have a general position or stance on how you recommend patients losing weight?
What do you recommend after weight loss if pain persists?
Is there a core value we can tie weight loss to such as holistic health or optimal mobility?