Obesity increases musculoskeletal stress and inflammation, which can directly impact foot health. Additionally, it can cause systemic conditions that indirectly impact foot pain, such as diabetes and poor circulation.
By prioritizing weight management, dietary changes, regular exercise and professional consultations, individuals can minimize the effects of obesity on foot health and achieve a higher quality of life.
Increased Pressure and Stress
Obesity places significant stress on the feet, ankles and knees. Over time, this stress causes structural changes in the foot and leads to discomfort and pain. It also increases the risk of developing diabetic neuropathy, a condition that affects the feet and legs, as well as slows wound healing and makes foot ulcers more likely.
Obese individuals are at higher risk for developing diabetes, a condition that can have an extremely negative impact on foot health. Diabetes increases the likelihood of foot complications, including ulcers, amputation, and decreased circulation, which can lead to numbness in the feet and legs. These conditions can also reduce mobility and limit activity, resulting in a reduced quality of life.
Fortunately, addressing weight management through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper footwear can significantly minimize the impacts of obesity on foot health. In addition, seeking professional advice can help individuals develop a customized plan to manage their foot pain and overall health. The key is to take a holistic approach that incorporates multiple aspects of wellness, such as stress reduction, self-care and mindful eating. This will not only ease foot pain, but contribute to an improved quality of life. Obesity is a complex and sensitive topic, but understanding its implications on your foot health can empower you to make positive lifestyle changes that can greatly enhance your well-being.
Flat Feet
Flat feet (also called fallen arches) are characterized by the bottom of the foot touching the ground completely when you stand. Most people with flat feet don’t have any symptoms, but the condition can cause problems if it is severe or gets worse.
Flatfoot is typically treated with orthotics or shoe inserts that help support the arch. In some cases, surgery may be necessary if the arches have not responded to nonsurgical treatment. This is often done using an osteotomy, which involves cutting and moving the bones in key joints of the foot. This helps to restore the shape of the foot, eliminates arthritis, and relieves pain.
Medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium can reduce inflammation and ease the pain. But these medications do not change the shape of the foot and will only provide temporary relief.
If you are suffering from pain in your flat feet, it’s important to see a board-certified foot and ankle specialist. The doctor will examine your feet and determine the underlying causes of your pain. The doctor will create a personalized treatment plan to address your needs and relieve your discomfort. Contact our office to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced doctors. We take the time to thoroughly evaluate each patient and understand their unique needs. Our goal is to help you find relief, whether through orthotics, treatments, or surgery.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes pain in the bottom of your heel. It’s caused by inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes. Over time, the stress of daily activities can cause micro-tears in your plantar fascia that leads to pain and inflammation. Patients with this condition typically experience stabbing pain that is worse when they take their first steps in the morning or after prolonged sitting. This pain decreases or resolves as the day goes on, but standing and walking for long periods of time can exacerbate symptoms.
Obesity puts extra pressure on your feet and can lead to flattening of the arch, which increases your risk for developing plantar fasciitis. Over time, this can also lead to other foot problems like heel spurs.
The best way to treat plantar fasciitis is to lose weight and stretch your feet and calves regularly. It’s also important to stop or reduce high-impact activities that put a lot of stress on your feet. Your doctor can recommend shockwave therapy, custom shoe inserts, or other treatments to help reduce your pain and inflammation. Surgery is only considered a last resort if other treatments don’t work.
Other Foot Problems
Studies indicate that structural foot problems are common in the obese population and are associated with impaired balance and gait, reduced mobility and decreased quality of life. The foot is the body’s primary base of support and has a vital role in balance, movement and activities of daily living1.
Overweight people also have a greater likelihood of developing a condition called Plantar Fasciitis which is caused by excessive pressure over-stretching the plantar fascia resulting in inflammation, swelling and heel pain. Over time this can worsen the biomechanics of the feet and lead to more serious issues.
Excessive weight may also lead to bunions, hammertoes and other conditions that can affect the stability of the feet. This can make it difficult to engage in regular physical activity and can become a vicious circle.
It is important to remember that BMI alone can not determine if someone is overweight or obese, this can be diagnosed by a health care professional using more specific tests. It is also important to maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly to prevent obesity. If you have concerns about your feet contact a podiatrist to discuss the best treatment options for you. We can help you stay active and pain-free! A visit to our office can include a full foot assessment to identify the most appropriate course of treatment.