How do weight and exercise affect osteoarthritis?
ANSWER
Losing any extra weight can help prevent osteoarthritis of the knees, lower the stress and pain on weight-bearing joints. Exercise helps maintain joint movement strengthen the muscles that surround the joints. Swimming, walking, and other low-impact workouts put less stress on your joints. Also helpful is strength training, which uses weights or resistance to make muscles stronger.
Reviewed by David Zelman on June 2, 2020
SOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, "Osteoarthritis."
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: "Questions & Answers: NIH Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial Primary Study."
Lozada, C. Firestein: Kelly's Textbook of Rheumatology, 8th ed. "Management of Osteoarthritis."
SOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, "Osteoarthritis."
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: "Questions & Answers: NIH Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial Primary Study."
Lozada, C. Firestein: Kelly's Textbook of Rheumatology, 8th ed. "Management of Osteoarthritis."
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information.