How Your Weight Affects Your Feet
We know carrying extra weight is bad for your heart and waistline, but did you know it’s also hard on your feet? It’s true! Studies show that your risk for foot pain increases along with your BMI. (Body mass index, a number reached by calculating your height and weight.) [i] In fact, you don’t have to be overweight to have problems. Gaining between five and 10 pounds could be enough to hurt your feet.
Why is extra weight a risk for foot pain? Well, your feet, toes and ankles are the foundation for your body. They absorb shock as you walk and run. So, when you add extra pounds to their load, they can get overworked. And, if that’s the case, you’ll need to watch out for some of these issues. (Or come see our Hamilton and Boone County podiatrist to keep your feet protected!)
Foot Problems Linked to Weight Gain
Every one of our podiatry patients is different. But we do see some common injuries associated with 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). This overpronation can make your big toe shift towards your second toe. And this migration often leads to bunions, when your bones grow in the wrong direction, leaving you with a bony bump on your foot.
Now, how does obesity contribute to hammertoes? This condition causes your toes to buckle and bend at their middle joints. They also become rigid, so they stay in this painful shape. Often, wearing the wrong shoes can increase your hammertoe risk. But having flat feet is also a risk-factor for hammertoes. And, as we mentioned, being overweight can flatten your arches. So, weight gain and hammertoes often go together.
Sadly, that’s not all you need to worry about. Gaining weight could also trigger heel pain or ball-of-foot pain. When our patients gain weight, they may also notice tendonitis. And they’re at higher risk for foot fractures or ankle sprains. Plus, in the long term, extra weight can put pressure on your foot and ankle joints which means your risk for arthritis of the foot may be higher down the road.
Treating Weight-Related Foot Conditions
The best way to protect your feet is to maintain a healthy weight. (According to the CDC, a healthy BMI falls between 18.5 and 24.9.[ii])
But while you’re working on your weight, we can help manage foot pain with certain devices or treatments. The best way to prevent damage is to take the load off your feet, with supportive shoes and custom orthotics. If you’re already experiencing foot pain, we can help with anti-inflammatory medication, or with stretching/strengthening exercises and/or physical therapy. MLS Laser Therapy may also be an option.
That’s why, when you’re worried about your weight putting pressure on your feet, it’s important to see your podiatrist regularly. So schedule an appointment with our office right away—we can help take the weight off your feet as you work towards a healthy BMI.