Extra weight creates extra pressure and strain on your feet, and can make standing and walking uncomfortable or painful. Being obese also stretches out and wears down the connective tissue and natural fat pads in your feet. Obesity-related symptoms in the feet include: Ball-of-foot pain.
We know that obesity is linked to greater stress on the feet. 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.
Fallen arches are a common result of being obese. The feet provide a natural support system for the body, and imbalance may occur due to the excess weight the feet must withstand. The feet may also grow in size due to excess pressure and swelling.
Foot Problems Linked to Weight Gain
That's often because extra pounds can flatten your arches, putting more pressure on your feet and changing the way you walk. Gaining weight could also increase your risk for bunions and hammertoes. When it comes to bunions, extra weight can make your feet pronate (roll inward).
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.
Custom orthotics from a podiatrist can provide cushioning and stability for painful foot and ankle symptoms. Your podiatrist may also recommend exercises to stretch and strengthen your feet and ankles. In some cases anti-inflammatory medication is called for to provide relief.
Weight loss will result in a decrease in inflammation and fat throughout your body, including your feet. The change will likely not be extreme. You might find your shoes are a little loose, but you should not expect to go down more than about a half size.
“Although often overlooked, your feet can provide an excellent warning of potential health concerns,” said Dr. Peter Chioros, a board-certified podiatrist with Swedish Medical Group. “Sudden changes or chronic symptoms such as pain or inflammation can signal illnesses and other potentially harmful conditions.”
The main cause of heaviness in legs is generally poor blood circulation. Blood circulation problems generally occur in the lower part of your body, especially your legs. This is because the lower section of your body needs to fight against gravity to transfer the blood back up to your heart.
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.
Multiple studies show that diabetes and obesity are the most consistent metabolic factors associated with neuropathy.
Foot conditions caused by obesity can include, plantar fasciitis, inflammation along the entire foot, and tendonitis. In addition, research shows as people climb steps, the ankle joints feel about four to six times their body weight. This can also occur from climbing a steep incline.
In normal walking, you transmit three to six times your body weight through your foot, Dr. Webb says. “By losing five pounds, you potentially may be transmitting 30 pounds less through the foot and ankle,” he adds. “So it's quite dramatic.”
Again, losing just 10 pounds might be more than enough in some cases to prevent a case of plantar fasciitis or other chronic pain. Lower risk of traumatic injury. It's not just the daily wear and tear that a lower body weight will spare you, however.
Causes of Achy Feet
Strenuous walking or standing for long periods has an obvious effect on your feet. Other factors include ill-fitting, poorly padded shoes, tight socks or stockings and tight garters. Reduced blood circulation to the ankles and feet also causes tired aching feet.
Causes of Foot Numbness
The most common cause of peripheral neuropathy or foot numbness in the US is diabetes. Other things such as thyroid disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, alcohol use, chemotherapy and other drugs may cause it as well.
What Is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome? Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a compression, or squeezing, on the posterior tibial nerve that produces symptoms anywhere along the path of the nerve running from the inside of the ankle into the foot. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs in the wrist.
Tingling, burning, or pain in your feet. Loss of sense of touch or ability to feel heat or cold very well. A change in the shape of your feet over time. Loss of hair on your toes, feet, and lower legs.
Foot pain and swelling can be indicators of poor circulation, which can result from heart-related issues. Non-healing ulcers or open sores on the feet can signify anemia, blood disorders, or vascular disease. Burning or swelling in the feet may point to kidney, heart, or circulatory problems.
The swelling of the feet, ankles, and lower legs is a common sign of heart failure. The condition, known as peripheral edema, is caused by the reduced force of blood flow through the body, causing blood to pool in the lower extremities.
One tell-tale sign of wide feet is if your feet feel cased-in in every pair of shoes. Once you measure your foot, you can tell for sure. If your foot width is 4 1/16” in a size 9 shoe or 3 3/16” in a size 7, then you are considered to have wide feet (C/D).
Physical activity, such as walking, is important for weight control because it helps you burn calories. If you add 30 minutes of brisk walking to your daily routine, you could burn about 150 more calories a day. Of course, the more you walk and the quicker your pace, the more calories you'll burn.
How much weight do i need to lose to drop pants size? On average, every 10 lbs of weight a person loses will equate to 1 pant size smaller. So, for example, if someone lost 25 pounds, they would likely drop 2 and a half sizes in pants.
Pain in the top of your foot is often caused by exercising, especially if it involves running, kicking or jumping. It may also be caused by wearing shoes that are too tight and some conditions, like gout. Your symptoms might give you an idea of what's causing your pain.