There are many side effects of obesity and related diseases stemming from the condition. Studies have shown that being just a few pounds overweight can contribute to health problems, so is it any wonder that common knee injuries are on the rise among those who are obese? Unfortunately, knee pain in overweight patients is something that doctors are seeing quite often these days.
Why are the knees so affected? The reason is very simple. When you walk, pressure is concentrated on your joints. Those closest to the ground handle the majority of your weight, of course. But did you know that the amount of pressure put on those joints can actually be many times your actual body weight? Your joints take a hefty beating even when you are at a normal weight, so for individuals who are obese, that pressure and joint stress is even more magnified. The joints take as much as they can, but at some point they can begin to weaken and then give out. That is the beginning of joint pain.
The above is a very simple explanation, but it illustrates the point: Knee injuries are more common in overweight people simply because there is so much more stress put on them. With that kind of stress, it's easy to twist a knee the wrong way, or to have situations where inflammation develops or cartilage is torn.
If you are overweight, how can you protect yourself from those common knee injuries? Knee strengthening exercises are good for keeping the knee pain at bay. Doing regular squats and lunges help to strengthen the muscles around your knees. Avoid high-impact activities, such as running or power aerobics, as the constant motion and demand on your joints can hurt your knees more than it will help. Engage in a low-impact exercise regimen until such time as you've lost enough weight to be good to your knees! Then you can more safely engage in more strenuous forms of exercise.
What exercises can you do that will be beneficial for you? Swimming and underwater exercises work wonders for your body. Water exercise takes the pressure off your legs, while you still get the benefits of increasing your heart rate and making your body work hard. If you prefer something on dry land, walking is always good. Make certain that you are fitted with appropriately supportive shoes and wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes. Take it slow and easy at first, and as your body and your knees become more accustomed to exercise walking, gradually build up to a faster walk and longer distances.
When you are exercising, beware of pain in your knees. If your knees begin to hurt, especially if you feel sharp, shooting pains in them, it's time to back off and rest. If the knee pain worsens or lingers for a few days, it's time to go to the doctor and get things checked out.
The side effects of obesity are legendary, but how often do we think of knee pain until it's too late? Avoid contracting knee pain from the beginning by choosing exercises and activities that are good to your joints, and avoid those that put a lot of pressure on them. Most of all, start losing weight! Even a few pounds off your frame will do your knees a world of good.
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