Just like any other medical disease or condition, foot pain is associated with several risk factors. This is to say that carrying a certain attribute makes one more likely to suffer from foot pain. For instance, pregnant women and arthritic individuals are at a higher risk of experiencing foot pain. One often overlooked high risk group is obese individuals. Once one’s body mass index has increased, the incidence of plantar heel pain increased. Likewise, fat mass is positively correlated with foot pain. Obese individuals are also more likely to have flat feet as well. This is likely the case because obese people place more weight and force down onto their feet, pushing down any natural arch so that the entire foot lays flush against the ground. If you are obese, you can reach out to a podiatrist to assist you with any foot pain you might have.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Dr. Lee R. Stein from Lake Shore Foot & Ankle, PC. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Chicago, Highland Park, and Uptown, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.