Knee Pain and Osteoarthritis: The Role of Weight in Joint Health

Hi I’m Kevin Go, a physiotherapist at M Physio – Spring Hill, Brisbane, with a strong focus on treating musculoskeletal conditions.

Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate in empowering patients to regain control of their health and improve their quality of life.

Today’s blog will focus on the impacts of excess weight and knee pain in osteoarthritis (OA).

The Link Between Pain and Excess Weight

Knee pain is common among individuals who are overweight or obese, as the extra body weight puts increased pressure on knee joints.

Over time, this can lead to OA, a condition where the protective cartilage in the knee gradually wears down.

The Arthritis Foundation notes that people with excess weight have a higher risk of developing knee OA, with obesity being a major factor in joint degeneration.

This strain can cause pain, stiffness, and restricted movement, affecting daily activities and quality of life.

Symptoms of Knee Arthritis

• Pain that increases when you are active, but gets a bit better with rest.
• Swelling, warmth, and stiffness in the knee, especially in the morning or after sitting for a long time.
• Decreased mobility in the knee, making it hard to perform everyday activities like walking or climbing stairs.
• A grating sensation or the sound of bone rubbing on bone when moving the knee.
• Deformities in the knee joint, such as bowing in or out.

Research on Joint Health and Weight

People with knee pain often experience crepitus—the clicking or popping sounds from the knee.

While it may feel uncomfortable, recent research shows no link between crepitus and pain, activity level, knee function, severity of knee condition, or the likelihood of needing a knee replacement.

The sound itself isn’t a sign that the knee is “wearing out” or that it’s associated with worsening mobility or joint health.

A study conducted by Landsmeer et al. (2018) also found that those who were heavier had an increase in structural changes of the features of osteoarthritis.

• 686 knees from women in their 50s and 60s were studied
• MRI scans were completed at baseline and after 2.5 years.
• They tracked the weight of the participants and grouped them by weight gain, loss, or stable weight.
• They found those who were in the weight gain group had an increase in bone marrow lesions (painful bone changes) and cartilage defects by 62% compared to those in the stable weight group
• Also found that those who were in the weight gain group had a progression of synovitis (inflammation) by more than 2.5 times compared to the stable weight group

Lifestyle Changes for Healthier Knees

The relationship between excess weight and knee pain is undeniable, but the good news is that even small lifestyle changes, like weight loss and targeted exercise, can lead to significant improvements in knee health and overall well-being.

Research shows that losing at least 10% of body weight can lead to significant clinical improvements in knee health.

Staying active with low-impact exercises, like swimming or cycling, strengthens the muscles around the knee, helping to reduce joint load and ease discomfort.

If you’re experiencing knee pain or difficulty with movement, consider consulting the physiotherapists at M Physio for guidance on pain relief and improving joint health.