Joint pain on the rise: obesity may be the culprit

Did you know that carrying around extra pounds can cause a strain in your points, leading to issues like persistent joint pain and arthritis? If you were to ask someone to name a health-related problem that is related to obesity, changes how they will likely mention diabetes or heart disease. Although this may be true, arthritis is also known to be related to obesity. Over 1 in 5 Americans are diagnosed with arthritis every day and out of these people, more than 1 in 3 are suffering from obesity.

Let’s take a better look at how you can protect your joints while changing unhealthy lifestyle habits through diet and exercise.

Why Obesity Matters

Obesity affects the body is many ways as to how it feels and how the body functions. Over a long period of time, carrying that extra weight will cause a strain on the body and will result in problems such as arthritis and joint pain. The joints will eventually wear out, and the pain will become so significant that the knees and hips may soon need to be replaced. With every pound of excess weight, this will add about 4 pounds of unwanted pressure on the knees and joints.

So if a person is overweight by more than 10 pounds, this means that he will experience an extra 40 pounds of pressure on his joints. This will make a big impact when you consider all the steps you normally walk in a day. It is not only the extra weight that causes damage to joints but the fat itself that is an active tissue which works to release and create chemicals – many of which cause inflammation in the joints. In the long-run, the chemicals will play a major influence on developing Osteoarthritis.

Effects of Obesity: What Studies Shows

In the 1970s, only 3% of America suffers from arthritis was primarily caused by obesity. In 2002, that number increased by 18% as those dealing with obesity has a 60% higher risk of developing arthritis than those who maintain a healthy lifestyle and weight. Since osteoarthritis is usually caused by aging, the elder is often dealt with hip and knee replacement surgeries. Although in the recent years, obesity has become such a major risk factor for arthritis, studies show that there in an increase in younger people requiring joint replacement surgery.

Reversing the Strain

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and dropped those unwanted pounds will surely reduce the strain and damages on the joints. Using medication as joint pain treatments is said to help aid with pain dealt with arthritis. Based on Omega XL reviews, it is a safe all-natural joint relief supplement that will help you live a healthy, active lifestyle. With a large variety of different joint pain treatments, losing weight itself will help improve healthy joints along with properly reducing joint pain. As muscle and bone strengthening exercises can help develop strong joint health, these daily exercises should help build strength:

• Playing sports

• Walking, jogging, or running

• Aerobic exercises

• Lifting weights or weight machines

• Yoga, Pilates, tai chi, dancing

• Elliptical and stair-climbers machines

• Riding a bike

• Hiking or Swimming

Practicing low-impact exercises such as swimming are recommended choices for those who are already suffering from join pain and dealing with obesity. By practicing regular daily exercise and sticking to a proper healthy diet will help you lose the unwanted extra weight which will ultimately decrease pressure on the joints and knees.

Physical therapy is also important when exercising properly as a physical therapist will show you how to move correctly your body and exercise along with dealing with any injuries or discomfort that you may be experiencing. Learning how to exercise safely will spare you any extra pain and discomfort to the joints while building strong, healthy bones in the long term.

By preventing obesity, this will help you prevent risks of developing joint pain and arthritis. Although the symptoms may already occur, it is never too late it lose weight and get in shape. Reaching your goal weight and following a healthy diet will help you protect not only your joints but your entire well-being in the long run.

Evlin Symon is a freelance health writer from New Jersey. She enjoys learning about a wide variety of wellness issues and staying up-to-date on the latest research. You can find her on a href "https://www.facebook.com/evlin.symon"Facebook