Obesity and 5 Common Foot Conditions
May 27 , 2021
Tags - Obesity and Common Foot Conditions
We’re all aware that obesity has negative effects on our bodies.
However, the impact that obesity has on our feet is often overlooked.
Inevitably, being overweight will have consequences on our feet because of the excess weight placed on them; which can cause physical changes over time.
Here are five of the most common foot conditions caused by obesity.
1. Fallen Arches
Usually, there should be a gap between the bottoms of your feet and the ground where your arch supports your weight.
As such, if all or almost the whole of your foot touches the ground when you’re standing - you have fallen arches.
And so, since arches will serve as your body’s shock absorbers, being obese will cause excess strain and increase the chance of developing fallen arches.
For the most part, people with flat feet do not experience any pain.
But, overtime fallen arches can cause stress on joints, bones and muscles in the feet and cause instability.
2. Plantar Fasciitis
When a fibrous ligament, called the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed, this is plantar fasciitis.
In other words, this is the connective tissue between the heel bone and the front of the foot.
Unfortunately, obesity places enormous stress on the feet, which can cause wear and tear of this ligament and trigger pain and discomfort.
In addition, you may feel a stabbing pain when walking after a long time or even just standing.
3. Gout
Gout is a joint disease that can cause sudden pains in your big toe.
Typically, gout is associated with rich, fatty foods and drinks like bacon and beer; foods high in substances that raise the body’s uric acid levels.
Consequently, when uric acid crystals build up around the big toe joints, a gout attack happens.
4. Hammertoe
The risk of developing hammertoe increases if you are obese or flat footed (caused by obesity).
Consequently, extra body weight causes an imbalance of muscles, tendons and ligaments around your toe joints.
And, this can cause the joints to bend, resulting in rigid and painful toes.
5. Bunions
A bunion is when the big toe starts leaning towards the other toes and there’s a bony, painful lump forming on the outside.
As a result, it can be difficult to find comfortable shoes due to the foot’s structural change.
Research reveals that 25% of people who are obese will experience a bunion.
Evidently, obese individuals are carrying excess weight, which results in over-pronation (flat feet), which leads to bunions.
Closing Thoughts
Of course, there are many other problems our bodies will face with obesity, but our feet are the part most affected.
And, we must pay more attention to our feet as some of these conditions can cause severe pain and potentially be life changing.
With this in mind, if you suffer from obesity, the first steps in looking after your feet will be to start tackling weight issues and wear properly-fitted, comfortable shoes.
For more information contact us today.
In the meantime, check our extended range of comfortable shoes.
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