As we get older, we all experience weight gain and joint pain that come naturally with general wear and tear. Joint pain is one of the most common ailments in adults 35 and older. But conditions are often worse for those who are overweight.

According to a Harvard study released earlier this year, the force on the average adult’s knees is the equivalent of 1½ times your bodyweight. That means a 200-pound man will put 300 pounds of pressure on his knees with each step, given he is walking on level ground. In other words, for every 10 pounds you gain, you are putting 15 extra pounds of pressure on your joints.

That extra pressure on your joints is painful. And it can lead to other debilitating ailments such as arthritis or osteoarthritis. We all know losing weight can be difficult, but when you experience inflammation and pain in your joints, that is a telltale sign that your body is begging for relief.

When you see an overweight or obese adult using a motorized scooter to get around, it is often due to the tremendous amount of pain they feel in their joints. The strain can be excruciating. Walking and even standing becomes a tall task when your joints can no longer support the extra weight.

How to Handle Weight Gain and Joint Pain?

Losing a few pounds will provide significant relief to the pressure on your joints. However, it is often hard to shed that extra weight, given that most exercise involves the use of joints. One of the best and most painless ways to lose a few pounds is by swimming. A 130-pound person can burn over 500 calories in one hour of moderately paced swimming. The water takes all the extra pressure off of your joints and provides the opportunity to burn fat in a virtually weightless environment.

While exercising is vital to weight loss, having the right diet is what will produce real results. Foods that are low in carbs, sugar, and saturated fats are best. Also, foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D go a long way to alleviate joint pain and enrich the calcium in the surrounding bones.

While joint pain is relatively common, it should not go unchecked. If you are experiencing joint pain, visit an orthopedic specialist for a consultation. Spine and Orthopedic Center has offices in Deerfield, Boca Raton, and Fort Lauderdale. Our expertise, compassion, and personal attention will see you through diagnosis and treatment, as well as the healing process, for the healthiest and most thorough recovery possible. Regardless of age or weight, orthopedic care can help individuals treat and manage pain caused by various musculoskeletal ailments. If you are searching for ways to handle weight gain and joint pain call us today. Relief may only be a doctor’s visit away! Give us a call today at 888-409-8006 or schedule a visit with us online today