In many international studies, the risk of knee replacement increases in people who tend to gain weight and transition to higher weight groups over time. Research on more than 24,000 people shows that early weight control may contribute to reducing the risk of knee replacement surgery.
This is one of the noteworthy factors. Increased body weight means that the knee joints have to bear a greater load during standing, walking and going up and down stairs.
Flavia Cicuttini, an expert from Monash University (Australia), said that for people who are overweight or obese and have osteoarthritis, losing weight is still beneficial but cannot completely reverse the damage that has occurred in the joint. She emphasized that preventing weight gain early is better than waiting until the problem appears to lose weight.
When knee pain occurs, many people tend to limit movement almost completely. However, prolonged lack of exercise can weaken the muscles around the joint, thereby affecting the ability to lift and move the knee.
Patients should choose exercises that are suitable for their joint condition instead of prolonged immobility. Regular exercise is an important part of long-term weight and health management.
Conversely, trying to exercise at high intensity even if the joint is sore is not a suitable choice. Activities that overload the knee can increase discomfort symptoms.
Patients should adjust exercise intensity according to their ability, prioritize appropriate exercises and avoid trying to exceed limits when the joint is painful or swollen.
Prolonged knee pain should not only be seen as an inevitable manifestation of age. Osteoarthritis can progress and increasingly affect mobility if not assessed, lifestyle adjustments and appropriate treatment.
In cases of prolonged pain, swollen joints, limited movement, or increasing symptoms, patients should see a doctor to determine the cause instead of prolonged self-treatment.
Medication may play a role in controlling symptoms in some patients, but joint care should not be based solely on medication.
Weight control is significant in reducing the risk of knee replacement. Currently, it is estimated that nearly 28.4% of knee replacement cases in the research group can be prevented if participants maintain a lower weight group, equivalent to losing about 8-12 kg in the period from early adulthood to middle age.
Therefore, for people with knee osteoarthritis, the goal is not only to reduce pain but also to maintain a reasonable weight, exercise appropriately and avoid habits that increase pressure on the joints. Prolonged pain or increasingly affecting daily life are reasons that should be assessed by doctors instead of trying to endure it.
