There should be no shame in being overweight or obese, but when your feet hurt because of your weight it might be time to make some lifestyle changes and see a podiatrist. The heavier you are, the more pressure and pain your feet can feel. It is said that your feet can take up to three times your body weight in force. Excess weight may cause gout, plantar fasciitis, heel pain, or osteoarthritis, among other afflictions. Being overweight can also lead to health conditions that affect the feet, such as type-2 diabetes, which can cause neuropathy and eventually amputation. Foot pain can make it hard to exercise and may interfere with losing weight which can cause a vicious cycle. You can appreciate your body and live a healthy lifestyle. A healthy diet can lead to weight loss even without exercise. It is important to stick to diet changes for 20 days or more for it to become a habit. Other things you can do to improve the comfort of your feet include wearing padded socks, not going barefoot, keeping your feet clean and dry, checking your feet regularly for cuts or bruises, and wearing well-fitting supportive shoes. If you are overweight and suffering from foot pain, consider seeing a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and help in this area.

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 Deborah Holte, DPM from Northeast Missouri Foot 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 Kirksville, MO . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.