Excess Weight and Your Feet

You may know that being obese or overweight can put you at risk for many health conditions. However, did you know that it can also increase your risk of foot problems and pain?

Being overweight means extra pressure on your ankles, knees, and hips as well as your feet. This may lead to a variety of different issues, such asstrains, sprains, fallen arches, and a number of other foot and ankle problems.

Furthermore, being overweight puts you at extra risk of developing conditions, such as –

• Diabetes
• peripheral neuropathy
• peripheral artery disease (PAD)

the above are often associated with –

• diabetic foot ulcers
• loss of sensation
• poor circulation
• slow healing wounds (may lead to amputation in severe cases)

Eating a balanced diet, regular exercise and an active lifestyle can help you lose the extra weight and improve your overall health.

For foot health –

• wear padded socks and well-designed shoes to avoid injury
• practice good foot hygiene
• check your feet regularly for cuts and bruises
• regular visits to a podiatrist
• immediate visit to the podiatrist, if you are experiencing foot pain, discomfort or notice anything unusual about your feet and ankles

The more your body weight, the harder it is for your feet to support your body. If you’re overweight or obese individual and are concerned about your feet, talk to a podiatrist or foot doctor. They can provide the care you need to stay pain-free and on your feet.

What can obesity do to your feet?

When the body weighs too much, it tries to compensate by changing the way you move. You may have noticed how overweight people may lean forward and shift weight on the wrong part of the foot. This adds unnecessary stress on the feet.

Obese people are also at a higher risk of developingType II diabetes. It is a condition that may lead to a lot of foot and ankle issues. Diabetes patients often can’t feel the cuts, bruises and sores that they may have on their feet. Left untreated, even smaller injuries and issues may become more complicated and develop into severe health concerns.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that may be caused due to obesity. Plantar fasciitis refers to inflammation of the plantar fascia – the tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. It results in pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

The bottom line is, you should work towards losing the extra weight for you overall health. At the same time, keep an eye on your feet. Don’t ignore even minor cuts and scrapes. Visit a foot doctor regularly to ensure your feet are in good health.

If you are looking for the best foot treatment doctor in Phoenix, Arizona, call Oasis Foot and Ankle Center at 602-993-2700 right away.

About This Author

oasisfootankle Joined: June 25th, 2018