Should I be concerned?

Statistics: Female- 5ft 7in- 268lbs- age:23

I've been doing CC since February 6th, 2008 (apx 3months) and have lost 32lbs so far.

I consume between 1600-1650 calories a day and do my best to keep my sodium intake under 2000.  My lean fat intake is 25%, my lean protein intake is 25%, my complex carbs are 35%, and my simple (naturally occuring) carbs are at 15%.

I work with toddlers most days and on the days I don't I try to get out and walk for 20 minutes at 3mph which seems to get my heart rate up adequately.

My concern is that I'm starting to experience new aches and pains in my joints and lower back.  My right ankle is showing signs of slight swelling by the end of the day, but it clears up by morning.  I do work with young children so a little bit of back pain from carrying kids is to be expected- but now I'm starting to feel it even on my days off.  The general feeling is that I need to crack or pop my joints but cant- so they just ache.  My theory is that my body is try to get used to a new weight distribution.  Perhaps my body is trying to relearn how to carry my weight 30 lbs lighter?  I haven't heard of any one else complain of this so I wonder if that might be viable or if perhaps I should see a doctor.

Other than this, I've enjoyed being relatively healthy most of my life dispite being almost 300lbs at my heaviest.

Has anyone else experienced this?

I wanted to say congrats on your weight loss!

As for your joint pain, I am sorry to say I have no idea....maybe someone else will come along with some advice. I know you are down quite a bit from your heaviest, but maybe your body is starting to complain about too much weight? The only time I experienced this kind of pain was when I was pregnant. My knees hurt so much when I would get out of bed, walk, stand up etc. This started right around 200lbs for me, but as soon as I had my son, the pain went away. I think it was from carrying so much weight up in front....but I really don't know.

Thats as much of a guess as I can make. I would give it some time, maybe a month at the most, and then go see a doctor.

Congrats again! Keep up the good work!!!! You seem to be losing about 10lbs a month, just like me....exciting, isn't it!?

OH YEAH!  I have NO complaints about the weight loss!  Honestly, my first 25lbs felt like the biggest accomplishment I'd made since graduating High School!  I'm also down from a 26/28 to a 22/24 which is THRILLING!  When I get to an 18/20 I'm going to buy new clothes- I havn't been in the "teen" sizes since 8th GRADE!  I'm SUPER excited about losing the weight...just a little concerned about the random pain...?

Congrats on your weight loss! :D That's awesome!

Your joint pain may be directly related to weight. Although you may be losing, after long periods of time, your bones and joints tend to be stressed by carrying more weight than they were designed to. The only thing I can suggest it exercising in different ways... take the strain off your ankles by riding a bike rather than using a treadmill. Elliptical machines also offer quite a bit of support with your exercise as well. (These are just examples.)

Meanwhile, I would definitely express your concerns to a health care professional. They are more aware and educated as far as these things go. You need to make sure you don't have a medical condition, such as arthritis developing!

Also, take hot showers or sit in a sauna after each work out... this will ease the pain. There are "infrared wraps" available in high class tanning salons that relieve pain and burn calories simultaneously as well. Stretching is also very important and effective to prevent further injury.

I suppose that being so heavy for such an extended amount of time could contribute to my joint pain- that would make sense.  It just seemed to me that I'd have been feeling it when I was at my heaviest 3 months ago instead of feeling it after losing 29-32lbs.  I've been experiencing these symptoms for a little over a week I'd say.  Thanks for the suggestions about alternative, low impact exercises, maybe I'll try that for a couple of days and see if anything improves.

Original Post by coley_moley:

I suppose that being so heavy for such an extended amount of time could contribute to my joint pain- that would make sense. It just seemed to me that I'd have been feeling it when I was at my heaviest 3 months ago instead of feeling it after losing 29-32lbs. I've been experiencing these symptoms for a little over a week I'd say. Thanks for the suggestions about alternative, low impact exercises, maybe I'll try that for a couple of days and see if anything improves.

:) If your pain doesn't ease up, then definitely see a doctor. Otherwise, look forward to being pain-free once you reach your goal weight! You'll be there in no time!

Many times as you lose weight your joints will start to ache becuase they are finally being relieved from the extra weight. By the way CONGRATS!!!

I know after being pregnant with twins my knees and elbows have started to ache considerably. I would be careful to not injury your joints while you exercise, if you can stand it swimming might be one of your best options, but If you are like me you would have to pay me to get into a bathing suit!!

You can also try some joint supplements, glucosamine and condroiten (spelling, kids are screaming and I am typing quicky)

I have been taking Renewit Joint supplements for women, they seem to be working and give me the relief I like. Also, switch up your exercise routines, constant and unchanging routines are only working the same parts of your body over and over again. Try some floor exercises, or like another member said, a bicycle!! gOOD LUCK

I have basically the same problem as you. I've lost 75 pounds over the last two years. I never had back pain before but in the last 2 months or so my lower back has started hurting by the end of the day. It's not extreme pain but it's annoying. I don't think I did anything to cause the back pain...all I could think of was like you said...new weight distribution... I'm not sure...

I'd also recommend you see a doctor if you're experiencing joint pain.  If you wanted to see if dietary changes would help then I've see the following suggested...

• B vitamins Several B vitamins may help reduce joint inflammation and pain. Foods enriched in vitamin B-3 (niacin) include lean meats and fish, tofu, cottage cheese and sunflower seeds; vitamin B-5 (pantothenic acid) is found in meat, eggs, soybeans, wheat germ, whole grain cereals, lentils and peanuts contain; and vitamin B-6 is found in meat, fish, whole grains, wheat germ, whole wheat, bananas and soybeans.
• vitamin C Some studies have suggested that vitamin C may reduce the risk and progression of osteoarthritis. Foods high in vitamin C include broccoli, red peppers, citrus fruits, cabbage, cauliflower, spinach and strawberries.
• vitamin D Osteoporosis may progress faster in women with low levels of vitamin D, because the vitamin helps calcium to protect bones and joint s. Foods high in vitamin D include fortified dairy products and fish such as salmon, halibut, sea bass, tuna, cod and herring.
• vitamin E This vitamin helps ease osteoarthritis pain and leg cramps. Foods high in vitamin E include almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, sunflower and safflower seeds, wheat germ and whole wheat flour, and various fruits and vegetables.