| There are many side effects of obesity and related | | | | activities, such as running or power aerobics, as the |
| diseases stemming from the condition. Studies have | | | | constant motion and demand on your joints can hurt |
| shown that being just a few pounds overweight can | | | | your knees more than it will help. Engage in a |
| contribute to health problems, so is it any wonder that | | | | low-impact exercise regimen until such time as you've |
| common knee injuries are on the rise among those | | | | lost enough weight to be good to your knees! Then |
| who are obese? Unfortunately, knee pain in | | | | you can more safely engage in more strenuous forms |
| overweight patients is something that doctors are | | | | of exercise. |
| seeing quite often these days. | | | | What exercises can you do that will be beneficial for |
| Why are the knees so affected? The reason is very | | | | you? Swimming and underwater exercises work |
| simple. When you walk, pressure is concentrated on | | | | wonders for your body. Water exercise takes the |
| your joints. Those closest to the ground handle the | | | | pressure off your legs, while you still get the benefits |
| majority of your weight, of course. But did you know | | | | of increasing your heart rate and making your body |
| that the amount of pressure put on those joints can | | | | work hard. If you prefer something on dry land, walking |
| actually be many times your actual body weight? Your | | | | is always good. Make certain that you are fitted with |
| joints take a hefty beating even when you are at a | | | | appropriately supportive shoes and wear loose-fitting, |
| normal weight, so for individuals who are obese, that | | | | comfortable clothes. Take it slow and easy at first, |
| pressure and joint stress is even more magnified. The | | | | and as your body and your knees become more |
| joints take as much as they can, but at some point | | | | accustomed to exercise walking, gradually build up to a |
| they can begin to weaken and then give out. That is | | | | faster walk and longer distances. |
| the beginning of joint pain. | | | | When you are exercising, beware of pain in your |
| The above is a very simple explanation, but it illustrates | | | | knees. If your knees begin to hurt, especially if you feel |
| the point: Knee injuries are more common in | | | | sharp, shooting pains in them, it's time to back off and |
| overweight people simply because there is so much | | | | rest. If the knee pain worsens or lingers for a few |
| more stress put on them. With that kind of stress, it's | | | | days, it's time to go to the doctor and get things |
| easy to twist a knee the wrong way, or to have | | | | checked out. |
| situations where inflammation develops or cartilage is | | | | The side effects of obesity are legendary, but how |
| torn. | | | | often do we think of knee pain until it's too late? Avoid |
| If you are overweight, how can you protect yourself | | | | contracting knee pain from the beginning by choosing |
| from those common knee injuries? Knee strengthening | | | | exercises and activities that are good to your joints, |
| exercises are good for keeping the knee pain at bay. | | | | and avoid those that put a lot of pressure on them. |
| Doing regular squats and lunges help to strengthen the | | | | Most of all, start losing weight! Even a few pounds off |
| muscles around your knees. Avoid high-impact | | | | your frame will do your knees a world of good. |