24 Nov How is Obesity linked to Foot Health?
It is a well known fact that obesity is linked to a range of health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar. But not too many people know that obesity can also have a serious impact on your foot health.
How does obesity impact foot health?
Given that your feet bear the weight of your entire body as they carry you through your daily routine, it’s not surprising that being overweight can lead to foot health issues. Foot problems often develop from the changes in posture caused by carrying too much weight.
Being overweight or obese places increased pressure on your feet, ankles and lower limbs, which makes you more likely to experience arthritis, foot pain and skin problems on the feet. People who are overweight may experience foot pain that may be indicative of specific foot conditions. Overweight patients often visit footinjuryclinic with swelling in their feet, fallen arches and referred pain in their hips or knees. Any additional weight the feet endure may lead to inflammation of the plantar fascia, which may lead to plantar fasciitis.
Quite often, overweight patients find themselves in a vicious cycle: their weight makes it too painful/ difficult to keep active; however, they need to stay active to lose weight. In order to break the cycle, it is important to find the right kind of exercise that will help patients stay healthy without risk of injury, e.g. low-impact exercises such as water aerobics. Be sure to start exercising gradually, and avoid activities that cause pain.
Speak to our podiatrist to make a plan
Our podiatrists can help you find suitable exercises which will help alleviate foot pain associated with obesity and help you adopt a more active lifestyle. They can provide you with education on any obesity-related foot issue, taking into account your personal lifestyle and foot health problems such as lower extremity ulceration and amputation. They will also make sure that your shoes are the right size and offer proper support.
If you have any questions about foot health and obesity, want to make a personal exercise plan, or have any other questions about your foot health, get in touch with our podiatrists who will be happy to help you get back on your feet.
Bondi Junction: 9386 5400
Barangaroo: 8599 9811
St Ives: 9440 4600
Category: Podiatrist St Ives