Being only 10 pounds overweight increases the force on the knee by 30-60 pounds with each step.
Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder with symptoms in the hands, knees, hips, back, and neck. It is unclear exactly how excess weight influences OA. Clearly, being overweight increases the load placed on the joints such as the knee, which increases stress and could possibly hasten the breakdown of cartilage.(ref. 1) For example, it is estimated that a force of nearly three to six times one's body weight is exerted across the knee while walking; an increase in body weight increases the force by this amount.(ref. 2) However, overweight has also been associated with higher rates of hand OA in some studies (refs. 3 and 4) suggesting the involvement of a circulating systemic factor as well.(ref. 5)
MY TAKE: It's interesting that higher rates of osteoarthritis of the hands are also associated with obesity considering the hands are non weight bearing. This suggests negative systemic factors are at work resulting in inflammation of the joints. In my practice we have seen patients with hand pain respond to plant based diet therapy as animal products are a well know cause of systemic inflammation. For more on this subject visit www.drmcdougall.com.
Chiropractic care can also help with joint pain secondary to osteoarthritis. Knee pain, hand pain, hip pain, and back or neck pain, all respond favorably to chiropractic adjustments. A treatment program that addresses weight loss, diet therapy, exercise, and chiropractic can be highly effective with the case management of osteoarthritis related joint pain and dysfunction.
San Francisco Chiropractor Comments:
I just re-read the John Hopkins University Arthritis Center web pages. Of particular interest is the page entitled:
Osteoarthritis and Weight Management (The Role Of Bodyweight in Arthritis)
Here is an excerpt:
Being only 10 pounds overweight increases the force on the knee by 30-60 pounds with each step.
Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder with symptoms in the hands, knees, hips, back, and neck. It is unclear exactly how excess weight influences OA. Clearly, being overweight increases the load placed on the joints such as the knee, which increases stress and could possibly hasten the breakdown of cartilage.(ref. 1) For example, it is estimated that a force of nearly three to six times one's body weight is exerted across the knee while walking; an increase in body weight increases the force by this amount.(ref. 2) However, overweight has also been associated with higher rates of hand OA in some studies (refs. 3 and 4) suggesting the involvement of a circulating systemic factor as well.(ref. 5)
MY TAKE: It's interesting that higher rates of osteoarthritis of the hands are also associated with obesity considering the hands are non weight bearing. This suggests negative systemic factors are at work resulting in inflammation of the joints. In my practice we have seen patients with hand pain respond to plant based diet therapy as animal products are a well know cause of systemic inflammation. For more on this subject visit www.drmcdougall.com.
Chiropractic care can also help with joint pain secondary to osteoarthritis. Knee pain, hand pain, hip pain, and back or neck pain, all respond favorably to chiropractic adjustments. A treatment program that addresses weight loss, diet therapy, exercise, and chiropractic can be highly effective with the case management of osteoarthritis related joint pain and dysfunction.
Dr. Eben Davis is clinic director of Executive Express Chiropractic in downtown San Francisco. To schedule an appointment call 415-392-2225 or request an appointment online.