For a long time, researchers and orthopedic care specialists, have been concerned about the issue of weight gain in relation to patient care and growing orthopedic risks. Obesity can be associated with health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, sleep apnea, certain tumors and cancers, and psychiatric disorders, among many others. It has now been proven that excessive weight can also be a contributing factor in orthopedic issues, such as musculoskeletal injuries, chronic pain, and osteoarthritis. Peconic Bay Medical Center gives more insight into the relationship between obesity and orthopedic risks.
Obesity and Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a progressive wear and tear joint disease. The knees are the most affected part of the body, because every pound you gain adds four pounds of pressure on the knees. With excess weight, the risk of wear and tear on the joint increases. Orthopedic doctors advise patients to lose only 10% of the total body weight, to reduce joint pain and lower the risk of developing arthritis in other joints.
Musculoskeletal and Chronic Pain and Weight Gain
Obese adolescents are more likely to report musculoskeletal pain and chronic regional pain, than normal-weight adolescents. Adults who are obese as may experience more pain in the soft tissues, such as ligaments and tendons. It is common to see adults living with constant pains in the joints and muscles due to obesity.
Weight Gain Increases Musculoskeletal Injury
If you are battling with weight gain, visit an orthopedic clinic in Suffolk County, NY, because your injury status may be affected, in addition to experiencing wear and tear. Obese and overweight children and adults have significantly greater odds of developing pain and lower extremity injuries compared to individuals of normal weight.
Weight Gain Contributes to Surgical Complication
Being overweight may not necessarily bring contraindications, a condition or factor that serves as a reason to withhold a certain medical treatment due to the harm that it would cause the patient, but one may risk possible complications, which can compromise the surgical outcomes. The patient may even take longer than required to recover. The most common complications include:
- Infections that may cause redness, warmth, and pain in the joint
- Blood clots, which may be deadly if the clot moves to the lungs or heart
- Dislocation of the replacement joint
Despite these risks, surgery helps decrease pain and improve physical function and mobility. However, before visiting an orthopedic center in Suffolk County, NY, for surgery, one is advised first to lose weight.
Weight loss decreases your chances of developing arthritis and chronic pain. Likewise, it will lessen your chances of injury. Your health care team wants the best for you. Thus, they will advise you to try and lose some weight for your overall health benefits.
At Peconic Bay Medical Center, we not only give you the medical care that you need, but we also equip our patients with tools, resources, and expertise to help you achieve your personal wellness goal. Visit us today.