Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Obesity a Prime Factor Leading to Joint Problems

Obese men and women are prone to develop many health problems, health care providers say, and it remains to be one of the pressing health concerns around the world. An estimation of about one in every three obese individuals is suffering from arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The link between obesity and arthritis makes both diseases a pressing health problem in the United States as they limit the mobility and functionality of the person affected which may further affect both problems. Losing weight, no matter how small, is being encouraged by the CDC to decrease the risk of complications. Although hip replacement implants may help increase the mobility of patients, some patients are asking for a Biomet hip recall because of the negative experiences that they had.


Obesity is a health problem that has many health consequences and that includes hip and knee problems. The knees and hips support the weight of the entire body and being obese does not make it any easier for the hips and knees. The chances of developing hip and knee osteoarthritis increases among obese men and women, health care providers believe. A person suffering from hip pain may be able to reduce the pain by losing weight, however it is often easier said than done as most people eventually gain more weight than lose it, health statistics say. The rapid loss of cartilage in the joints


The equivalent of every pound of weight is four times the pressure on the knees while six times the pressure on the hips, according to the Arthritis Foundation, pointing also to a study showing how chemicals from body fats may help damage the joints. Younger men and women who are obese develop osteoarthritis earlier compared to those who are not obese. Apart from medications and physical therapy, health care providers and orthopedic specialists strongly suggest a good weight control program for their morbidly obese patients who have hip and knee joint problems. However weight is not the only factor that might put a person at risk of developing osteoarthritis. Hip trauma or any injury that might have affected the hip is also a strong factor for hip arthritis.


A hip replacement surgery among obese patients may not last long, according to studies, and they might undergo several revision surgeries in their lifetime. However, some patients have contacted a Biomet hip replacement lawyer after experiencing hip implant failure.



URL References:

arthritis.org/conditions-treatments/disease-center/osteoarthritis/

cdc.gov/arthritis/data_statistics/arthritis_related_stats.htm

hopkinsarthritis.org/patient-corner/disease-management/role-of-body-weight-in-osteoarthritis/

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