Managing Weight Loss to Delay Joint Replacement — What You Need to Know

Joint replacements are usually indicated when, after radiology review and consideration there is a need for pain management and or the affected joint is deemed unable to function as normal. The orthopaedic surgeon usually considers several factors and explores available options before planning a joint replacement — these days most commonly the hip or knee, both of which are weight-bearing joints.

How Body Weight Affects Your Joints

One of the key factors the surgeon considers is the management of body weight. If the affected joint is less overloaded by a person's body mass, it is hoped that the resulting pain will be significantly reduced — and ultimately, that the need for joint replacement can be delayed.

Teoli (2022) notes that care should be taken when advising weight loss in older people (aged over 65 years) to ensure the maintenance of lean body mass and bone density. He also notes that obesity, as a modifiable risk factor, can influence the progression of osteoarthritis affecting the hip or knee joint.

Who Is Involved in Your Weight Loss Plan?

When weight loss is indicated, a patient will most likely be referred to a nutritionist or dietician for a plan to address body weight challenges. In addition, a referral may be made to a physiotherapist to prescribe a workable weight loss programme that is practical and individualised to the patient's needs and general condition within their stage of osteoarthritis.

How Physiocare Can Help

Choosing the most comfortable and efficient mode of exercise to achieve weight loss goals is what we do at Physiocare. Modifying and progressing exercise prescriptions is a gold standard in achieving the desired outcome — primarily for the patient, and in full respect of the entire medical team and the decision-making process around joint replacement.