Q I have pes anserinus tendinitis; will losing weight really help? How much weight should I lose?
A Losing 5–10% of your body weight reduces the load on the knees by 4–8 times compared to walking on flat ground, significantly reducing irritation to the bursa. Weight management is a key factor in enhancing treatment effectiveness, especially for those with a BMI of 25 or higher. It is recommended to start with swimming or aqua exercises, which place less strain on the knees.
Detailed Answer
The load applied to the knee joint is approximately 3–4 times your body weight, so losing 1 kg of body weight leads to a 3–4 kg reduction in knee load. Obesity increases fat deposition in the pes anserinus area, mechanically irritating the bursa and raising systemic inflammatory markers (CRP). It is recommended to combine low-intensity aerobic exercise with dietary control.
Perspective of a Korean Medicine Clinic
In Korean medicine, obesity is viewed as a condition where digestive function weakens, causing waste products to accumulate throughout the body. Waste products accumulated in the knees are a direct cause of worsening bursal inflammation. At Dongjedang, we support weight loss alongside the treatment of pes anserinus tendinitis by using herbal medicine that restores digestive function and eliminates waste, and we provide step-by-step guidance on exercise intensity that can be practiced without straining the knees.
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