4. Weight control
Being overweight and obese can put additional stress on the knee joints. According to the Arthritis Foundation, an additional 10 pounds of weight can add 15 to 50 pounds of pressure to a joint.
The foundation also points to the relationship between obesity and inflammation. For example, people with a high body mass index (BMI) are more likely to develop osteoarthritis of the hand than those with a low BMI.
If a long-term health problem is causing pain in your knees, weight control may help alleviate symptoms by reducing pressure on your knees.
If your knees hurt and you have a high BMI, your doctor can help you set a goal weight and come up with a plan to help you reach your goal. This will likely include dietary changes and exercise.