Understanding the link: Obesity and knee arthritis

Written in association with: Mr Muhammad Adeel Akhtar
Published:
Edited by: Kate Forristal

In his latest online article, Mr Muhammad Adeel Akhtar gives us his insights into the effect of obesity on knee arthritis. He talks about how obesity contributes to knee arthritis, if weight loss can manage knee arthritis symptoms, how non- surgical and surgical treatments compare for knee arthritis in obese patients, recommended lifestyle modifications and exercises and the role of nutrition and supplements.

How does obesity contribute to knee arthritis, and its effects on disease progression?

Obesity results in increased loading of the knee joint by weight which can cause wear and tear changes (arthritis) and also results in worsening of those arthritic changes on X-rays and the symptoms like pain, swelling and stiffness from knee arthritis

 

Can weight loss manage knee arthritis symptoms in obese patients effectively?

Weight loss can result in improvement of pain, stiffness and mobility issues resulting from knee arthritis. In simple terms the muscles and tendons moving the knee joint have to work less after the weight loss and this results in less symptoms from arthritis. 

 

What are the potential complications of untreated knee arthritis in obese individuals?

The risk of progression of knee arthritis in obese patients is very high and it is very important to identify the problem earlier and intervene with advice on healthy eating, weight management and activity modification

 

How do non-surgical and surgical treatments compare for knee arthritis in obese patients?

The decision about surgical and non-surgical treatments for patients is based on their symptoms and radiological findings of the severity of knee arthritis. Both treatments can be successful if selected appropriately in discussion with the patients.

 

What are recommended lifestyle modifications and exercises for managing knee arthritis in obese individuals?

Any level of activity which is pain free and enjoyable for patients is advisable. I would suggest an individualised approach based on my patients need and ability to get the best results from any self-help programmes like “Escape Pain Programme” or using the online platforms like “Second Nature”.

 

What is the role of nutrition and supplements in treating knee arthritis in obese patients?

There has been a lot of recent research about specific supplements like Omega-3, Vitamin D Vitamin K, antioxidant such as vitamin C, vitamin E, turmeric, glucosamine and chondroitin supplements in improving the symptoms from knee arthritis. However, there is no consensus in the literature about the cost effectiveness of all these. A healthy and delicious diet contains a lot of these supplements and can be used instead. 

 

Mr Muhammad Adeel Akhtar is an esteemed orthopaedic surgeon with more than 15 years of experience. You can schedule an appointment with Mr Akhtar on his Top Doctors profile.

By Mr Muhammad Adeel Akhtar
Orthopaedic surgery

Mr Muhammad Adeel Akhtar is a leading Edinburgh-based consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon. Mr Akhtar is highly experienced in a wide range of orthopaedic procedures, such as knee replacement surgery, knee meniscal tear surgery, knee arthritis treatmentsports injuries management, hip arthritis treatment and hip replacement surgery.
 
Mr Akhtar has shown his dedication to lifelong education throughout his career, continuously training and improving his skills. He first received his Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery from the University of the Punjab in Pakistan, before going on to complete extensive training in the UK. He received his MRCSEd from the Royal College of Surgeons in 2006, and an MD from the University of Edinburgh in 2015. He completed his basic surgical training in Yorkshire and his specialty training in trauma and orthopaedics at the Northern Deanery. Mr Akhtar has also completed several prestigious fellowships, for example, his fellowship on “Lower Limb Arthroscopy, Arthroplasty and Osseointegration” in Sydney. He has been trained in biological therapies from the Academy of Regenerative Medicine, and has received a postgraduate diploma in Computer Assisted Orthopaedic Surgery from the Golden Jubilee Hospital in Glasgow.
 
Currently, Mr Akhtar practices at the Spire Murrayfield Hospital in Edinburgh, and Kings Park Hospital in Stirling. He is also a consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon for the NHS. At his practice, Mr Akhtar treats all types of knee and hip injuries and conditions, with a focus on knee and hip replacement surgery. He also specialises in sports medicine, having successfully completed the Diploma in Sports and Exercise Medicine from the Royal College of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland and is a member of the Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine UK
 
In addition to his clinical work, Mr Akhtar is a dedicated medical educator. He is an honorary senior lecturer at the School of Medicine of the University of St Andrews, University of Edinburgh and a tutor at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. He has also extensively published in medical literature, in different peer-reviewed scientific journals and is currently undertaking a prestigious research fellowship funded by the Chief Scientist Office Scotland on the role of digital health in managing patients with end stage lower limb arthritis.  

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