Knee Pain and Weight Gain: The Hidden Connection
Knee Pain and Weight Gain: The Hidden Connection Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems affecting people of all ages. While injury, arthritis, and poor posture are often discussed causes, there’s another significant factor that is often overlooked: weight gain . Extra body weight places additional stress on the knees, accelerating joint wear and contributing to chronic pain. How Weight Gain Affects Your Knees The knee joint is a weight-bearing joint , meaning it absorbs the body’s full weight whenever you stand, walk, or run. For every pound gained, the knees bear 4 extra pounds of pressure during movement. Over time, this added stress can: Damage cartilage, leading to osteoarthritis . Strain ligaments and tendons, increasing the risk of injury . Cause inflammation, resulting in pain, stiffness, and swelling . The Vicious Cycle of Weight Gain and Knee Pain Weight gain can reduce mobility, making it harder to exercise. Reduced activity then...