Items filtered by date: November 2022

Tuesday, 01 November 2022 00:00

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.

Tuesday, 01 November 2022 00:00

Being Overweight Can Cause Foot Pain

Foot conditions, including gout, plantar fasciitis, and calluses can be related to being overweight or obese. Feet and legs hold you up, and the more weight they sustain, the more pressure they are under. It is like a support beam holding up a bridge that is too heavy and susceptible to collapse. Being overweight can also cause medical issues that can negatively affect the feet, such as diabetes, and can make exercising more uncomfortable. Fortunately, we can appreciate our own unique bodies while still working on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and preventing foot pain. Improving diet and exercise are the first things that should be tended to. Simply cutting back on high sugar foods and alcohol can make a difference in one’s weight. Adding even a small amount of exercise will reduce pressure on your feet as well. Make it a routine, and have patience with yourself in developing new habits. If you are overweight and have foot pain, consider consulting with a podiatrist who can provide further suggestions for reducing pressure on your feet.

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 Tanisha Richmond, DPM from Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. 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 Dayton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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