How Weight Can Affect Foot Health

Numerous studies now highlight the connection between body weight and foot health. They suggest that a high body mass index, or BMI, can profoundly influence foot structure and function, thereby increasing the risk of painful conditions. The correlation between BMI and foot pain is well-documented. Research underscores the increased likelihood of abnormal plantar pressures, altered foot function, and changes in foot structure among individuals classified as obese, with a BMI of 30 or higher, or overweight, with a BMI between 25 and 29. These findings also reveal a heightened susceptibility among heavier individuals to foot complications, such as osteoarthritis, tendinitis, and plantar fasciitis, which can significantly affect their quality of life. Podiatrists now face the challenge of tailoring their approaches to foot care for patients with higher BMIs, considering factors like decreased tolerance for high-impact exercise and altered plantar pressures. This shift may influence the prescription of non-aerobic exercise and the recommendation of stiffer, thicker orthotic devices. If you have concerns about foot or ankle pain that may be related to weight, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Alex Yanovskiy, DPM from Illinois Foot & Ankle Clinic. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Des Plaines , IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Obesity and the Feet

Obesity is a common problem in American society. Approximately one third of the U.S. population is obese. Obesity is defined as a body mass index greater than 30. Obesity has the power to affect different aspects of the body, and one of the most common problems it causes is foot pain. There have been many studies that found a connection between an increased BMI and foot problems. A simple activity such as walking up a flight of stairs can increase pressure on the ankle by four to six times.

Being overweight causes the body to compensate for the extra weight by changing the way it moves. Consequently, people who struggle with obesity commonly have arch problems in their feet. Obesity causes the arch to break by stretching the ligaments and tendons that hold the bones in the foot together. When the arch lowers, the foot may eventually fall flat. Collapsed foot arches fail to provide adequate shock absorption which eventually leads to foot pain. Other conditions that may be caused by flat feet are pronation, plantar fasciitis, weak ankles, and shin splints.

Foot problems that are caused by obesity may be treated by wearing proper footwear. Proper shoes will allow your feet to have better circulation around the arch and ankle. Additionally, those with obesity often discover that typical heel pain remedies are not effective for them.  They will find that their plantar fascia is easily injured, and it is often inflamed. The best way to treat this problem is to implement lifestyle changes. A few good ways to improve your diet are to reduce calories, fill up on fruits and veggies, and to limit sugars.

Custom foot orthotics can prevent foot problems if you’re carrying excess weight or are trying to lose weight. The purpose of orthotics is to provide shock absorption to decrease the amount of stress on the joints to prevent arthritis.