Knee and hip pain can make basic movements feel harder than they should. These joints carry most of your body weight, so even a small change in weight can influence how they feel. In Ocean County and Monmouth County, many adults notice these changes more as they get older or try to be more active.
Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians, and pain management specialists at OIBortho know how your weight can affect your long-term mobility. With convenient locations in Edison, Red Bank, Freehold, Wall, Brick, Toms River, Lacey, and Manahawkin, we’ll help you learn what your joints need to stay strong.
How Weight Impacts Your Knee and Hip Joints
Your knees and hips absorb several times your body weight with each step. That means any additional weight increases the load on your cartilage, ligaments, and tendons.
Over time, this can lead to stiffness and faster wear on the joint surfaces. You might start to feel discomfort just from standing for long periods, going up stairs, or getting up from a chair.
Extra weight can also aggravate arthritis symptoms or make early joint changes feel worse. When the joint is already irritated, even small increases in stress can make daily movement uncomfortable.
The good news is that even modest weight loss can make a meaningful difference. Less pressure on the joints means less strain during everyday tasks. You should start to find that you can move more easily and recover faster after activity.
Practical Ways to Support Weight and Joint Health
Consider adding a few of these strategies to lose weight and support your joints:
- Choose low-impact exercise: Activities like swimming, walking, and cycling keep you active without placing heavy stress on your knees and hips.
- Build strength around the joints: Strength training creates more support for your knees and hips.
- Make small nutrition adjustments: Adding more whole foods and being mindful of portion sizes can help you lose weight over time.
- Pay attention to your body’s signals: Pain that keeps returning, swelling that sticks around, or difficulty with basic movement are signs to check in with a specialist.
We’ll Help You Care for Your Knees and Hips Long Term
Your knees and hips carry you through everything you do, so giving them the care they need pays off over time.
If discomfort is slowing you down or you want expert guidance on joint health, OIBortho is here for you. Call 732-800-9000 to schedule a visit to one of our New Jersey offices in Ocean County and Monmouth County.