Being overweight by even 25 pounds can put extra stress on your feet and make you more susceptible to developing conditions like tendinitis, osteoarthritis, and plantar fasciitis. Obesity—identified as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher—can lead to even bigger, more painful and potentially dangerous foot conditions brought on by diabetes, gout, and peripheral heart disease. Losing weight through diet and low-impact exercise is one of the best ways to keep your feet and ankles healthy. However, this can be challenging or even risky for those with a foot or ankle issue. Ask your podiatrist to recommend physical activities that are safe for you, and proper footwear to support your feet and avoid injury.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.