The Knees, Please

[Phoenix32203]

I have questions for those who have been successful at losing pounds and keeping them off. Did any of you have knee issues before? To what degree did those problems resolve themselves when you lost the weight? I have very bad knees and about 110 pounds to lose. I am hoping I can put off replacements by sticking with my program this time, but I am wondering how much improvement I can hope for. Anyone with experience in this area?

[Meg]

Losing weight will definitely help you postpone knee replacements but unfortunately, it can't undo the damage that's already done.

I developed arthritis in both knees in my late 30s due to two decades of obesity. By the time I lost the weight when I was 46, my knees were pretty bad. But even though the arthritis was severe at that point, my knees were helped a lot by all the leg exercises, muscle strengthening, and elliptical that I did when I was losing the weight and maintaining. But once cartilage is gone, it's gone and no exercise or weight loss can bring it back. So my knees didn't get better but they sure as heck felt better without an extra 122 pounds pressing down with every step!

What the weight loss did for me was to give me mobility for perhaps 8 - 10 more years. I had both knees replaced in 2008 (when I was 54) but it would have been sooner if I hadn't lost the weight. Honestly, I think I would have been in a scooter by that point if I was still obese.

Most importantly, losing the weight and becoming an everyday exerciser let me prepare for the surgery so to have the best possible outcome. I worked out for about two hours a day leading up to the surgery in order to strengthen the muscles that supported my knees as much as possible -- building an internal brace of muscle to take pressure off the joint. And it worked! I was able to walk a half mile the day after I got out of the hospital (10 days after surgery) and was driving by three weeks after the surgery. I never used a walker or cane once I was out of the hospital. Yay for strong muscles!

So yes, losing weight is tremendously beneficial to those of us with bad knees. It's not a cure but it will make everything you do, including surgery, so much easier.

[Phoenix32203]

Thanks for your response, Meg. I had arthroscopic surgery a week ago and the Doc said that things are so bad in there that I'll be lucky to get another 5years out of them, and I'm only 40. Not good. His words inspired me to make myself a priority and get it done. He told me that every pound I lose will be like taking 4 pounds off of my knees. I've lost 6 pounds since then, so that's 24 and I swear I can feel every one of them!!!! It's good to know that others have staved off the surgery by lightening up.

By the way, you and others here have been a huge inspiration to me for years. Thanks for taking the time to be here day in and day out to help the rest of us find our way.

[Meg]

Congratulations on the six pounds! How motivating that you can feel a difference already!

When the time comes for replacements (and you'll know when it's time ), think how much easier your recovery will be at a healthy weight! I'm so glad you're making yourself and your health a priority.

[Hiya]

Oh yes!

Losing weight made my knees feel much much MUCH (much much o so much...did I say much?) better.

Much better.

But exercise is key. I went to a physical therapist and had a full work up complete with prescribed exercises that I do every day. For me building the little muscles on the sides of my knees. (I spent a lot of time walking sideways down the halls at work! Hee!) and the little muscles in the top front of my thighs.

I hardly ever have pain! I do still struggle with stiffness and ominous twinges....I'll have to have knees replaced as well---but hey! That's someday....right now, my poor knees are doing okay....