Arthritis is a collective term used to describe more than 100 disorders that can trigger significant inflammation in joints throughout your body. In addition to pain, this inflammation can cause limited joint mobility, stiffness and swelling. Depending on the location of your arthritis, excessive body weight can substantially worsen your pain symptoms.
Basics
Roughly 37 million Americans have some form of arthritis, according to MedlinePlus, a website created by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Common forms of the condition include the wear-and-tear-related disorder called osteoarthritis and the autoimmune disorder called rheumatoid arthritis. Other forms of arthritis include juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, lupus, psoriatic arthritis and scleroderma. Men and women in all age categories can develop some form of arthritic disorder.
Pain Symptoms and Weight
If you have arthritis-related pain in the joints of your feet or legs, the presence of excessive body weight can significantly elevate your pain levels. Conversely, weight loss can significantly reduce your pain in these joints. In addition to direct joint injury and repetitive stress, the presence of excessive body weight is a major risk factor in the development of osteoarthritis, which most commonly occurs in your knees or hips.
Diet and Exercise
Weight loss most typically occurs through a combination of dietary changes and exercise. If your calorie intake exceeds your daily needs, reductions in food consumption can help you lose substantial amounts of weight. Exercise activities commonly used for individuals with arthritis include strength-training activities, low-impact aerobic exercises and flexibility exercises designed to increase your range of motion.
An exercise program that helps reduce your body weight can also provide a number of additional health benefits, including improvements in your bone and muscle strength, overall gains in your joint maintenance and reductions in your levels of fatigue and stiffness. Ask your doctor or nutritionist for specific recommendations for changing your diet or workout plan.
Considerations
In addition to weight loss, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists a number of pain-relief and pain-management options for individuals with arthritis. They include the use of splints and other joint-assistance devices, occupational therapy, medication and surgery. Typically, getting sufficient rest is also vital for arthritis management and pain relief. Try to get at least eight to 10 hours of sleep a night. Additionally, don't hold your body in any one position for an extended period of time and avoid movements or postures that you know worsen your pain symptoms.
