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Losing weight to improve arthritis in knees

Posted , 9 users are following.

annegold
annegold

I have arthritis in my knees and am going through a really bad and longer than usual flare up. I am wondering if losing weight  would help. I am 5ft 3 and weigh approx 190lbs. I consume far too many sweets, chocolate and cake and processed foods. A few months ago I greatly reduced wheat in my diet and I feel this helps with the flare ups. Upon reflection I think my weight is a contributing factor to the arthritis because I have had flare ups after- a Zumba class, water aerobics, walking up hill in sand and kneeling down to clean a floor. The link is the pressure on my knees during these activities is far too much.

What do you think? Any advice would be appreciated 😐

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • Annette15305
    Annette15305 annegold

    Posted

    Hi Annegold

    Click here to view image

    • fran70537
      fran70537 Annette15305

      Posted

      Hi Anne ,I am 4 weeks post TKR.and I am really struggling with the excercising ,although I do do them at home and physio once a week i am finding it extremely painful especially the knee bend ones ,My knee just does not want to bend ,my knee is very swollen and sore ,have you experienced this and did your knee eventually bend and how long approx. does it take ,? The excercise in particular is the one where you lie on your tummy raise your operation knee and my husband puts one hand on the back of my thigh to hold it down and gently pushes my knee back towards my bottom as far far as I can stand it usually when I am in pain and SHOUT STOP and in floods of tears 😢 it's so painful. Have you any tips you can pass on to help ,Thank you 🙋

  • pat86848
    pat86848 annegold

    Posted

    Hi Anne I have same problem.I am overweight mainly because my mobility is so bad and can’t do much exercise.I’m 8 weeks post kr and know if I was lighter there would be less pressure on my joints.I’m determined once I am further on in my recovery I am going to make a big effort to loose this weight as I know my health would definitely benefit.x
  • linda80011
    linda80011 annegold

    Posted

    Yes, weight makes a big difference.  Something like 3 times your weight is the pressure you put on your knees. Than don’t forget your hips and back from the extra weight. I know because I was overweight all my life and have had a knee and a hip replaced and looking at the other hip and knee. Please take care of yourself before it is too late. It took 72 years to catch up with me but it certainly did and the pain was awful. 
  • ellen57898
    ellen57898 annegold

    Posted

    My surgeon had me go through PT, cortisone shots and synvisc shots.  Then he told me I needed to take off weight to get the pressure off my knees.  I started to use an app called “loseit”. I logged everything I ate, took my dog for walks and by the end of a year (yup, took me a year) lost 42 pounds. When I had my TKR I was in fantastic shape, felt great and changed my attitude.  I did have the replacement, which honestly was incredibly brutal.  It has been 14 months since surgery, and I still log my foods and count calories.  Bakery delights were my downfall. I have learned to make good food choices.  So, my answer to you is this, take the weight off. It will make a tremendous difference.
  • fran70537
    fran70537 annegold

    Posted

    Hi Anne ,reading your post was just like I was reading about myself and like the other ladies who have answered your post I agree with them losing weight would benefit your knees . Having had the tkn. 4 weeks ago I wish I had lost weight( hindsight is a wonderful thing !).The operation itself for me was good and all went well until the really hard work kicks in and you have the exercises to do and make no mistake about it they have to be done and it's painful!!! (my opinion ) .So go for it losing weight is a win win it will make you feel better and look good and if you still need the operation of will make your recovery easier . Hope all goes well for you what ever you decide .🙋

  • CHICO_MARX
    CHICO_MARX annegold

    Posted

    Losing weight helps EVERYTHING!!!!!  A few years ago, I was out of control...so was my blood sugar.  My nutritionist daughter put me on  P L E X U S...  Lost 57 pounds in 11 months.  The stuff makes you crave sugar waaaaay less so I started eating waaaaaay better.  Gave up all the junk, especially artificial sweeteners.  They are the worst.  I drink tea and water, eat chicken, fish and salads.  No McDonalds...Subway roasted chicken with lots of veggies.  Yeah, I'll eat something junky once in a while but never like before with the candy, ice cream, cookies, etc.  Can't even look at most of that stuff anymore.  Changed my life.  And yes...it does take stress off the knees.

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