As Americans get heavier they are crushing their feet. Several recent
studies have proven what has always seemed obvious, obesity leads to
foot problems.
Studies show that foot and ankle problems can be linked to an
individual's weight and body mass index (BMI). Individuals who have
higher BMI have a significant increase in foot and ankle problems.
The weight doesn't even have to be substantial to have an impact. One
study found that a gain of even 10 pounds could trigger a foot problem.
While problems vary from patient to patient, foot and ankle pain often
occurs in weight bearing areas, as well as in the tendons and ligaments.
Common foot problems include
posterior tibial tendonitis,
plantar fasciitis and
arthritis.
Studies show that pressures on the bottom of the foot are far greater in
obese subjects. In addition, obesity damages the joints of the foot and
ankle. People carry approximately four to six times their body weight
across the ankle joint when climbing up stairs or walking on inclines.
Obesity significantly increases the impact.
Foot and ankle pain can lead to further weight gain, as it is difficult
to exercise when feet are painful.
Foot Pain Relief for Obese Individuals
If you are carrying extra weight make an
appointment to see us in our Seattle foot and ankle clinic as
soon as possible. We have developed special protocol for treating
individuals who are carrying excess weight. In almost every situation we
can relieve your foot and ankle pain so that you can walk and exercise
in comfort. We will evaluate how you walk and where you are putting
excess force on your feet. We will then design a treatment plan based on
these findings. This may include shoe recommendations, special foot
orthotics designed for persons carrying extra weight, and specific
strengthening and stretching exercises.
References: Obesity and Foot Pain
1. Plantar pressure differences between obese and non-obese adults: a
biomechanical analysis. Hills AP, Hennig EM, McDonald M, Bar-Or
O.Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 2001 Nov;25(11):1674-9.
2. Comparison of static footprints and pedobarography in obese and
non-obese children. Taisa Filippin N, de Almeida Bacarin T, Lobo da
Costa PH. Foot Ankle Int. 2008 Nov;29(11):1141-4.
3. Why is obesity associated with osteoarthritis? Insights from mouse
models of obesity. Griffin TM, Guilak F. Biorheology.
2008;45(3-4):387-98.
4. Assessment of the medial longitudinal arch in children and
adolescents with obesity: footprints and radiographic study.
Villarroya MA, Esquivel JM, Tomás C, Moreno LA, Buenafé A, Bueno G Eur J
Pediatr. 2008 Aug 27.
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Douglas Hale, DPM & Lawrence Huppin, DPM
Foot and Ankle Center of Washington, Seattle
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