What Effect Does Obesity Have on the Musculoskeletal System?
Musculoskeletal disorders are disorders that affect a person’s muscles, joints, bones, ligaments, and tendons. Musculoskeletal disorders can make it difficult for a person to move a certain way, or cause significant pain.
What Are Some Musculoskeletal Disorders Caused by Obesity?
Here are some musculoskeletal disorders that can be caused by obesity:
Obesity Can Increase the Risk of Fractures
Because of the additional weight, they are more prone to having more fractures, particularly in the lower extremities. This stems from the fact that their bones carry a heavier load compared to those with normal weight. The bones are not always able to support this weight, and when an obese person falls or suffers an injury, fractures can happen easier.
It Can Cause Soft Tissue Damage
Soft tissues refer to the tissues that support other organs of the body. In the case of the musculoskeletal system, this refers to tendons, muscles, and ligaments.
And in the case of people with obesity, the additional weight can make it more difficult for these soft tissues to support the body. This can cause inflammation and can make them more prone to being damaged.
Obesity Can Cause Lower Back Pain
Another connection between obesity and musculoskeletal disorders is that obesity can cause lower back pain. This happens because the added weight tends to pull the upper body forward. As a result, the muscles of the lower back are strained in trying to keep the body stable.
This is one of the more common types of problems that people with obesity experience.
It Can Also Cause Ankle and Foot Pain
The ankles and feet support the entire weight of the body when a person is standing up or walking. Obesity can cause ankle and foot pain because of the additional weight that the ankles and feet need to bear.
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