The Impact of Obesity on Foot Health

Key Takeaways
Impact on Foot and Ankle	Obesity significantly increases the risk of foot and ankle problems due to the added weight and pressure on the lower extremities.
Biomechanical Changes	Flat feet and pronated foot function are common biomechanical alterations in individuals with obesity, often leading to foot pain and discomfort.
Management Strategies	Addressing obesity through weight management and employing foot care strategies can alleviate foot problems and improve mobility.

Can Being Obese Affect Your Feet?

Obesity is a growing concern globally, with numerous health implications ranging from cardiovascular diseases to musculoskeletal disorders. One of the often overlooked aspects of obesity is its impact on foot health. Carrying extra weight can cause a lot of issues for your feet, affecting how they look and work.

Here are some ways obesity can affect your feet:

• Increased Pressure: The extra weight increases the pressure on the plantar surface of the foot, which can lead to conditions like plantar fasciitis.
• Arch Problems: Obesity is linked to flat feet as the additional weight flattens the arch of the foot, causing pain and other issues. For more insights on flat feet, visit our Flat Feet: A Complete Guide page.
• Joint Pain: The ankle and knee joints may experience increased stress and strain, leading to pain and potential joint damage over time.

Obesity and Foot Pain

Foot pain is a common complaint among individuals with obesity. The biomechanical alterations associated with excess weight often contribute to this discomfort. For instance, the flattening of the arch can change the alignment of the foot, which in turn, affects the way weight is distributed across the foot and can lead to foot pain.

Some of the biomechanical changes observed in individuals with obesity include:

• Pronated Foot Function: The inward rolling of the ankle, which is common in individuals with obesity, can cause or worsen foot pain.
• Increased Plantar Pressure: Higher plantar pressure is often observed in individuals with obesity, which can lead to calluses, corns, and other skin issues on the feet.

Foot Conditions Caused By Obesity

Obesity can lead to or exacerbate various foot conditions. Below are some common foot problems associated with obesity:

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue running across the bottom of the foot. Excess weight can aggravate plantar fasciitis by increasing the pressure on this tissue.

Osteoarthritis

The extra weight from obesity can accelerate the wear and tear on the joints in the feet, leading to osteoarthritis. This condition causes pain, stiffness, and sometimes swelling in the affected joints.

Gout

Obesity is a risk factor for gout, a type of arthritis caused by excess uric acid in the bloodstream. The additional weight can make gout attacks more frequent and severe.

For a more comprehensive list of foot problems and their descriptions, you may visit our Common Foot Problems page.

Does Losing Weight Help With Foot Problems?

Losing weight can significantly alleviate the pressure on your feet, thereby reducing the risk of foot problems. Weight loss can be particularly beneficial in managing conditions such as plantar fasciitis and osteoarthritis, where reducing the load on your feet and joints can provide relief from pain and discomfort.

Here are some benefits of weight loss for foot health:

1. Reduced Pressure: Losing weight decreases the pressure on the plantar surface, which can alleviate conditions like plantar fasciitis.
2. Improved Arch Structure: Weight loss can help in restoring the natural arch of the foot, thereby improving foot function and reducing pain.
3. Lessened Joint Pain: Weight reduction can ease the strain on the joints in your feet and ankles, providing relief from osteoarthritis symptoms.

Benefits of Weight Loss for Foot Health
Reduced Pressure on Feet	Alleviates conditions like plantar fasciitis
Improved Arch Structure	Helps in restoring the natural arch of the foot, improving foot function
Lessened Joint Pain	Eases strain on the joints in feet and ankles

Can Feet Get Smaller After Losing Weight?

It’s a common query whether losing weight can result in smaller feet. The truth is, weight loss can also lead to a decrease in shoe size. As you shed pounds, the fat pads on the bottoms of your feet may thin out, and the width and length of your feet can decrease slightly. Moreover, weight loss can help in restoring the natural arch of the foot, which might also affect your shoe size.

Note: It’s essential to get your feet measured regularly, especially after significant weight loss, to ensure you are wearing the correct shoe size which provides adequate support and comfort.

How to Help Your Feet in the Short Term

In the short term, there are several strategies individuals with obesity can employ to help their feet. These include:

• Proper Footwear: Wearing supportive footwear that provides adequate cushioning and arch support can be beneficial. Check out our Foot Care Tips page for recommendations on choosing the right footwear.
• Orthotic Inserts: Custom orthotic inserts can provide additional support, correct foot alignment, and alleviate foot pain.
• Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Regular foot exercises can help strengthen the foot muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.

These strategies can give you quick relief and help improve your foot health. They are especially helpful while you’re also working on long-term weight management goals.

Foot Care Regimen for Long-term Relief

Adopting a comprehensive foot care regiment can significantly improve foot health, especially for individuals with obesity. Here are some components of an effective foot care regimen:

1. Routine Foot Examinations: Regular check-ups by a podiatrist can help in early identification and management of foot problems.
2. Physical Therapy: Engaging in physical therapy can help in alleviating foot pain and improving foot function.
3. Weight Management: A sustainable weight management program, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can provide long-term relief from obesity-related foot problems.

Components of Foot Care Regimen
Routine Foot Examinations	Early identification and management of foot problems
Physical Therapy	Alleviates foot pain and improves foot function
Weight Management	Provides long-term relief from obesity-related foot problems

Seeking Professional Help

If foot problems persist or worsen despite self-care measures, it’s crucial to seek professional help. Podiatrists and other foot care specialists can provide personalised treatment plans to address obesity-related foot issues and improve your quality of life.

Conclusion

Obesity significantly impacts foot health, but with the right strategies, individuals can manage foot problems effectively. From understanding the biomechanical changes associated with obesity to adopting a comprehensive foot care regiment. Individuals have several avenues to improve their foot health and overall well-being. Encouraging weight loss and promoting proper foot care are effective strategies in alleviating the challenges faced by individuals with obesity.

By exploring the Common Foot Problems and our Foot Care Tips page, you can gain a deeper understanding of foot health and find solutions to common foot issues.

This article was written by Dr. James Philip MBChB who graduated from the University of Manchester in 2015 and went on to train in hospitals across the North West of England. He has experience working in both hospital medicine, and the community, and played his part as a front line worker on the COVID-19 wards. He now works as a freelance medical writer and medical education entrepreneur.