Question

A resident has osteoarthritis. The person is overweight. Why is weight loss important for the person?

a) To reduce joint stiffness
b) To increase joint inflammation
c) To improve joint flexibility
d) To alleviate joint pain

Answer 1

Weight loss for someone with osteoarthritis who is overweight helps to alleviate joint pain by reducing the stress on weight-bearing joints, improving joint function, and slowing the progression of the condition.

Step-by-step explanation:

The person with osteoarthritis who is overweight would benefit from weight loss because it can alleviate joint pain (d). Excess weight puts added stress on the joints, particularly weight-bearing joints like the knees. For a resident with osteoarthritis who is overweight, weight loss is important because it helps to alleviate joint pain. This is due to the fact that excess weight puts additional stress on weight-bearing joints, escalating the severity of symptoms associated with this condition. Reducing body weight decreases the force exerted on the joints with each movement, thereby contributing to less pain and potential improvement in joint function. Moreover, weight loss can help improve overall joint health by slowing down the progression of osteoarthritis.