How to Lose Weight with Knee Pain?

Many people want to lose weight because they think they will look better if they weigh less. But dropping a few pounds can also provide significant health benefits if you are overweight. Weight and knee pain have been linked, and obese adults who lose weight can experience less inflammation and pain.

Decreasing your weight requires a combination of dietary changes and exercise. If you haven’t exercised in a long time because of knee pain, there are low-impact ways to sweat that won’t make your knees hurt even more. Dedication and focus can also help you take off the weight by adjusting your eating patterns and becoming more active.

Will My Knees Stop Hurting if I Lose Weight?

Every patient is different, and while weight loss may positively impact one person, it may not offer the same results for another. That said, losing weight could give you relief. Physicians often try a range of treatments to find the best option for any medical issues.

Weight loss is also something you can do yourself that doesn’t require a trip to the doctor’s office. Many people like the idea of being proactive and trying something that could improve both their weight and knee pain.

Exercising can also help your knees in different ways. You get more fluid in the joints when you move, which could ease the pain of osteoarthritic conditions. Also, when you weigh less, it requires less effort to do everyday things such as getting out of a chair or walking, which can lead to less knee pain.

How to Exercise With Bad Knees to Lose Weight

Choosing the right activities is critical when losing weight with knee pain. Generally, low-impact exercises are your best options. Here are a few you could try:

• Swimming: Swimming is a non-weight-bearing exercise because you become nearly weightless in the pool. You also use different muscles than for dry-land exercises, giving you a chance to expand your range of motion. Your knees are involved in movements, but they don’t generate the movements — they just come along for the ride.
• Walking: Walking can also be low-impact, though you may want to try water walking to start, which puts even less strain on the knees. Go short distances at first, then work up to longer ones.
• Physical therapy: A physical therapist understands your pain constraints and will give you exercises designed to strengthen weaknesses and balance out the pain in your knees. Physical therapy offers a challenge and many rewards, such as increased range of motion and decreased pain. It can also help you lose weight.

Before you attempt a weight loss program, talk to your physician about best practices and any notable restrictions.

Address Knee Pain at OrthoBethesda

At OrthoBethesda, we treat a wide variety of orthopedic conditions, including knee pain. Make an appointment at OrthoBethesda today or contact us to learn more.

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