WEIGHT LOSS FOR KNEE PAIN

WEIGHT LOSS FOR KNEE PAIN

Weight loss has historically been a first line form of conservative management for those with knee pain, and we have level 1 evidence to support this as an intervention.

A systematic review of published literature has found a higher BMI to be a strong predictor for the development of patellofemoral pain – the most common form of anterior knee pain – as well as patellofemoral osteoarthritis in adults (Hart et al., 2017).

Studies have previously shown us that for each kilogram of weight loss, there is a four-fold reduction in knee joint loads (Messier et al., 2005). I repeat… a four-fold reduction in the stress on your knee with every kilo lost!

So before looking to medications, injections or surgery to fix your knee pain (whatever the cause may be), focus on moving more and eating better. A decrease in bodyweight may well be your answer.

Chris Bryceson

B. Health Sciences (Physio), APAM

CB Physiotherapy