Causes, symptoms, and prevention of osteoarthritis: Control weight, stay fit to prevent common joint problem

Osteoarthritis is a common joint problem typically seen in those who are overweight or obese. The excess body weight puts pressure on the joints and makes them weak with time, causing pain, swelling, and difficulty in movement. The good news is that the right lifestyle changes, it is possible to reduce the risk of knee osteoarthritis or manage the symptoms better.

According to the Centers for Disease and Control (CDC), knee osteoarthritis happens when the protective cartilage of the knee joint wears down gradually. This cartilage helps the joints move smoothly. When it breaks down, the bones start rubbing against each other, causing pain, stiffness and swelling. People who are overweight or obese are at higher risk because the extra weight puts more pressure making the cartilage wear out faster, leading to knee osteoarthritis at an earlier age.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis, and risks:

As per the CDC, the common symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain, swelling and stiffness in the knees. The pain usually gets worse after walking, climbing stairs, or standing for a long time. In some cases, knees may become swollen or feel warm. If left untreated, it can make it hard to perform everyday activities like walking. People with obesity are also more likely to experience severe pain and faster joint damage compared to those with a healthy weight.