I have knee arthritis and obesity. Is non-surgical treatment safe for me?
The question, asked by a woman aged 30 to 44
My knee pain has been getting worse and I'm finding it harder to walk or exercise like I used to. I'm also overweight, and I'm worried that this might make the arthritis worse or limit the treatment options available to me. I've heard there are non-surgical treatments for knee arthritis, but I'm not sure what would be safe in my situation. Would losing weight be part of the treatment, and what should I discuss with a doctor before going ahead?
Your knee and weight are more connected than you think.
The extra weight adds 3- 4 kg to your knees with each step, and this, over time, results in cartilage wearing down faster.
Excess belly fat produces inflammatory substances, which may cause joint damage.
Pain in the knees makes one immobile, resulting in muscle weakness, and so the cycle continues.
Insulin resistance and high levels of blood glucose, which are fairly common among overweight individuals, lead to inflammation of the joint, worsening the situation.
Fortunately, reducing weight by 5-10% has been proven to alleviate knee pain and improve mobility. In other words, weight reduction is one way of treating knee pain, while non-surgical treatment methods are safe and efficient for most patients if selected properly.
Suggested Tests
- Standing X-ray of both knees, to assess the joint space and severity of arthritis
- MRI of the knee, only where the X-ray is unclear or there is locking, giving way or swelling
- ESR and CRP, to check for inflammation
- Rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP, to rule out rheumatoid arthritis
- Serum uric acid, to rule out gout
- Vitamin D and serum calcium, for bone and muscle health
- HbA1c and fasting insulin, as blood sugar and insulin problems are common alongside excess weight and can worsen joint inflammation
- Lipid profile and TSH
- Kidney and liver function, before any long-term pain medication is considered
- A physiotherapy assessment of walking pattern, muscle strength and range of movement
How Clinic Living Plus Can Help
CLP addresses both your knee and weight problems. Solving each one of them may lead to the solution of the other. We do so through a non-surgical, medically supervised, personalized plan.
A comprehensive examination is done where we assess your X-rays and other relevant blood test results for any inflammatory arthritis and gout. This is then followed by a physiotherapy assessment of your mobility.
The physiotherapist at CLP strengthens the muscles around your knee joint, improves mobility, and lowers the pain according to your current level of physical fitness.
We develop a plan based on the treatment of the underlying cause with medication such as GLP-1, where applicable, in order for you to lose weight without stressing your joints.
Our personal trainer will work on the development of low-impact exercise programs that will strengthen your knees.
If it's suitable for you, ozone therapy, peptide therapy, and IV nutrition may be used to lower the pain and promote healing.
Most of our patients began with difficulty ascending the stairs and are now able to walk again.
Lifestyle & Nutrition Tips
- Keep the knee movement limited without straining it. Consult with your physiotherapist for the kind of movement and exercises that can help.
- Avoid being inactive for long hours; work towards maintaining a healthy weight,
- Eat a balanced, nourishing meal that supports your overall health.
- If allowed and eligible, try working on strength training with the help of a trainer.
What to Do Next
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