Don’t Wait: Less Weight Equals Better Health for Your Joints

There are many reasons to lose weight, and the “health” of the prosthesis used in joint replacement is one that shouldn’t be overlooked. Excess weight takes a toll on joint replacements that may significantly shorten their life span. Losing weight can be a slow process, and may even take longer if you’ve had a joint replaced. When planning your weight-loss regimen, work with a healthcare professional to formulate a plan that will allow you to exercise safely.

To lose weight successfully you should set reasonable weight-loss goals and take in fewer calories than you burn. If you follow these simple principles, you’ll be on the way to your goal. Here are other tips that will help you be successful:

• Don’t diet too soon after surgery. Take some time after joint replacement surgery to nurture your body as it recovers. For a few weeks, your body will need enough calories and nutrients to heal properly. If you try to diet too soon after surgery, you could prolong recovery. Your healthcare provider can determine the right time for you to begin dieting.
• Maintain a healthy body weight. Over time, excess weight can wear on knee or hip replacements. When exercising to lose weight, avoid high-impact exercises that may stress your replacement. Some high-impact activities to avoid include basketball, weightlifting, jumping rope and tennis.

Exercises considered safe for your joints include swimming, walking and biking. These are great, low-impact exercises that burn calories and will help facilitate weight loss.

Maintaining a healthy body weight is important for your overall health and for your joint replacement as well. For questions about how to keep your body weight in check, talk with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian.

Ready to meet with one of our orthopedic and sports medicine doctors? Call us at 317.565.0505 to request an appointment.

Sources: AARP.org, OrthoInfo.AAOS.org