by Chuck Kobdish, D.C.
Knee Pain and Inflammation
Body Mass Index (BMI) is more than a number on a chart. When it comes to knee health, excess weight directly increases the stress on your joints, raising the risk of pain, injury, and even early arthritis.
Knee pain is showing up more often in younger adults, and research points to a major factor: elevated BMI. Understanding how weight impacts joint health is the first step in prevention — and in protecting your mobility for the long haul.
Every extra pound of body weight adds about four pounds of pressure on the knees during movement. Over time, this additional load accelerates cartilage breakdown, leading to earlier onset of osteoarthritis. Even small weight reductions — just five to ten percent of body weight — have been shown to ease knee pain and improve function.
Younger adults are not immune. A 2021 study published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders found that women in their mid-thirties with higher body fat and lower lean mass were significantly more likely to report knee pain. Other research shows that obesity in early adulthood predicts knee pain and mobility issues later in life. These findings suggest that maintaining a healthy BMI earlier in life plays a key role in preventing joint damage.
There are steps you can take to protect your knees:
-
Healthy weight management through diet and activity
-
Strength training to improve stability and reduce knee strain
-
Chiropractic care and supportive therapies to improve alignment and mobility
-
Innovative treatments like radial shockwave therapy (rESWT), which can stimulate healing in cases of chronic pain
Knee pain isn’t just a problem for older adults anymore — we’re seeing it earlier and more often. Taking steps to manage weight and protect your joints can help you stay active longer.
If knee pain is slowing you down, schedule a visit at BackMenders Chiropractic or call 469-232-6363 (MEND). Let’s keep you moving.
#KneePain #JointHealth #BackMendersChiropractic #DrKobdish