MultiCare Podiatrist Gregory Webb, DPM, FACFAS, spoke about weight and foot care at a recent Bariatric Surgery Support Group and explained that being overweight increases your risk of ‘wear-and-tear” foot problems, from tendonitis to arthritis to heel pain.
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Does losing weight help feet pain?
Weight Loss and Foot Pain Relief
Studies indicate that even a modest weight loss can significantly reduce the pressure and strain on the lower extremities. Striving to have a healthy weight can alleviate foot pain and prevent further damage and symptoms.
Are my feet sore because of my weight?
Obesity may cause pain in the majority of the foot. This is caused by extra weight the feet endure while daily activities are being performed. Many patients who are overweight notice they have heel pain, and this can lead to a condition this is known as plantar fasciitis.
How can being overweight affect your feet?
Carrying extra weight weakens the tendons and ligaments that make up the architecture of your feet and ankles. Over time, the arches will collapse, causing flat feet and often significant pain when standing and walking.
How can I lose weight with sore feet?
Try low-impact exercises.
Low-impact exercises can keep you active and help with weight loss while reducing stress to your feet. Try swimming, water aerobics, yoga, spin cycling, and rowing machines are excellent calorie burners but let your feet take it easy.
Will losing weight make plantar fasciitis go away?
By natural weight loss, the fat in plantar fascia is also reduced, and plantar fascia regains its flexibility, and the heel pain is reduced or completely cured.
Why would your feet hurt?
Injury, overuse or conditions causing inflammation involving any of the bones, ligaments or tendons in the foot can cause foot pain. Arthritis is a common cause of foot pain. Injury to the nerves of the feet may result in intense burning pain, numbness or tingling (peripheral neuropathy).
Is plantar fasciitis due to being overweight?
If you’re carrying extra pounds, it puts a lot of pressure on your heel pad. This can lead to inflammation in the plantar fascia and the resulting pain. If you have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, your risk of developing plantar fasciitis is almost six times greater than a person with a normal weight.
Does obesity cause neuropathy in feet?
A consensus is emerging that diabetes and obesity are the main metabolic drivers of peripheral neuropathy.
Why do my feet and heels hurt all the time?
Common causes of heel pain include obesity, ill-fitting shoes, running and jumping on hard surfaces, abnormal walking style, injuries and certain diseases. Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the ligament that runs the length of the foot, commonly caused by overstretching.
What is the best medication for foot pain?
Oral analgesic medications such as acetaminophen (paracetamol) or aspirin are often the first line choice for quick relief of foot pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen are also often recommended and can help to reduce inflammation at the same time.
What does foot tendonitis feel like?
The most common symptoms of foot or ankle tendonitis are localized pain, swelling, and stiffness. Pain is the first sign of foot or ankle tendonitis. The pain typically lessens over time but then resurfaces the longer you spend on the foot or ankle.
How much pressure is taken off your feet when you lose weight?
That’s why even 1 extra pound on your frame can roughly equal about 5 extra pounds of force on your knees, ankles, and feet. Losing 20 pounds can mean sparing your feet from an extra 100 pounds of force with every stride.
Will my feet stop swelling if I lose weight?
Tips to reduce ankle and foot swelling
Simple lifestyle changes — such as exercise and weight loss — also can help reduce or prevent swelling while also improving your overall health, says Dr. Botek.
Should I exercise if my foot hurts?
Regular, gentle exercises can help loosen up muscles and tendons to get your foot moving normally again and reduce pain. Research has shown that exercises are effective at reducing symptoms in plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis and ankle sprains.
Is walking good for plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis can be treated. Every patient is different and some patients even receive relief from their symptoms by simply changing shoes. Walking around after lying or sitting for a time may ease plantar fasciitis symptoms as the ligament stretches out.
What exercises should I avoid with plantar fasciitis?
It’s best to address this pain right away and while it may seem crazy, working out can help plantar fasciitis. Dr. Ahmad recommends avoiding impact exercises such as running or jumping, or any exercises that make your foot hurt.
Cardio:
- Stationary cycle.
- Swimming.
- Battle ropes.
- Rowing.
- Elliptical.
- Hand cycle.
What causes plantar fasciitis to flare up?
Activities that can increase the force through your feet and aggravate plantar fasciitis include: Running, walking or standing a lot in unsupportive shoes. Running, walking or standing on hard surfaces like concrete. Carrying a heavy object or gaining weight.
Why are my feet so painful to walk on?
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is the thick band of tissue that runs lengthwise across the bottoms of your feet. It usually causes a stabbing heel pain that you feel when you take your first steps in the morning.
Why do the bottoms of my feet hurt?
Pain in the bottom of your foot is often caused by exercise, such as running, wearing shoes that are too tight or a condition, such as Morton’s neuroma. Some people also have a foot shape that puts extra pressure on the bottom of the foot. Hard or cracked skin or a verruca can also cause this type of pain.
What are the signs of arthritis in your feet?
Symptoms of arthritis in your feet
- Pain when you move your feet or ankles.
- Tenderness when you touch affected joints.
- Swelling or redness of affected joints.
- Difficulty standing or putting pressure on your feet.
- Pain or swelling even when at rest.