Joint and connective tissue disorders

Long-term obesity also affects the musculoskeletal system, mostly the joints, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Obesity damages the load-bearing tendons such as the patellar, Achilles, and plantar fascia. Obesity may also result in dislocations of the knee and causes multiple torn ligaments. Obesity may additionally be linked to chronic plantar heel pain. There are several different types of joints in the body. The synovial joints allow for motion, including flexion, extension, rotation, and abduction. These joints are divided into the ball and socket joints of the shoulders and hips, the hinge joints of the elbows and knees, the pivot joints of the atlas and axis, the condyloid joints of the wrists, the saddle joints of the thumbs, and the gliding joints of the fingers. The joints are affected by a variety of diseases, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and those of the vertebral column, often resulting in low back pain. Obesity is also linked to deteriorating bone density and muscle mass, resulting in a greater risk of falling and bone fractures. With obesity the adipocytes release bioactive peptides that affect connective tissues and damage their structure.