Joints and Weight Loss

ehelmsnc
ehelmsnc Posts: 5 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I am a long time recreational tennis player and have been experiencing knee pain. I am at my heaviest weight , a good 50 lbs overweight. X ray reveals early indication of arthritis. I have an ankle with bone on bine arthritis from an injury sustained over 30 years ago and it does not give me the pain I have with the knee.

Any stories to share of benefits of significant weight loss on arthritis progression or pain reduction? I really want to keep playing for years to come.

Replies

  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,024 Member
    For every 10lbs you add to your body, each step is I believe is an extra 30lbs per sq. inch. Don't quote me on that though. I used to know the formula but haven't used it in ages.


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  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 34,600 Member
    I have arthritis in various spots (knees, hips, probably more) and a confirmed torn meniscus in one knee (subjectively, I suspect both).

    When I was 50-some pounds heavier, knee discomfort was routine, pretty much constant, and actual pain frequent, like probably a couple of weeks each month . . . to the point of interfering with sleep, sometimes. Now, knee pain is quite rare, and discomfort occasional.

    It wasn't instant, though. It began improving somewhat during loss, but it continued to improve well into weight maintenance at my new weight. (I've been at a healthy weight for 7+ years now, symptoms have probably been at my current point for a few years already - hard to recall specifics. I try to ignore it when I can, TBH.)

    I'll note that I avoid sports with impact or torque to the knees. (I think it's mainly the torn meniscus that objects, though I don't know for sure). But I'm very active (at age 67), mostly rowing (on water when I can, machine when I must), and cycling (paved trails, stationary - similar preferences to the rowing, because outdoors is good).

    I think you can expect improvement. How much is hard to say. One thing that helped me was physical therapy, with the specific aim of improving my walking and especially stair-climbing habits to reduce stress on my knees going forward. Very worthwhile, though it doesn't treat/cure the underlying condition. Strengthening around the joint might also help, but a physical therapist can assess that.

    Best wishes!

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