Osteoarthritis and Joint Pain
Osteoarthritis is the wearing out of cartilage in our joints, which often leads to pain and dysfunction. There is a strong association between being overweight and the development of osteoarthritis. In fact, 63% of osteoarthritis in middle aged women is attributable to obesity. The knee joint is affected most consistently; however other joints may be damaged, including the hip, ankle, and even joints in the hand. There is an increased incidence of spine related pain as well as foot pain with obesity. There is good evidence that weight loss will improve and possibly eliminate joint pain as well as slow the progression of osteoarthritis.
Additionally, it is important for patients seeking joint replacement surgery to know that obesity significantly increases the risk that the implant will wear out quickly and require revision surgery. Morbidly obese patients have a lower functional ability on average following surgery compared to their non-obese peers. Non-obese total joint patients have a complication rate of 9%, obese patients have a 15% complication rate, and morbidly obese patients have a 22% complication rate (complications are considered any adverse event following surgery, such as infections or blood clots). Weight loss prior to surgery reduces the risk of post-operative complication.
Additionally, it is important for patients seeking joint replacement surgery to know that obesity significantly increases the risk that the implant will wear out quickly and require revision surgery. Morbidly obese patients have a lower functional ability on average following surgery compared to their non-obese peers. Non-obese total joint patients have a complication rate of 9%, obese patients have a 15% complication rate, and morbidly obese patients have a 22% complication rate (complications are considered any adverse event following surgery, such as infections or blood clots). Weight loss prior to surgery reduces the risk of post-operative complication.