Obesity is one of the most common problems in the United States. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one-third of adults in the US are obese.
Obesity can cause health problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. One of the lesser-known effects of obesity is foot pain. When you are carrying more weight, it puts added stress on your feet and ankles. It can lead to problems such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, and Achilles tendonitis.
This article will explain these foot problems associated with obesity in detail.
1) Plantar Fasciitis
It’s estimated that nearly two million Americans suffer from plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tissue on the bottom of your feet. This condition can be excruciating, making it difficult to walk or even stand.
There are multiple risk factors for plantar fasciitis, but one of the most common is obesity. Excess weight puts more strain on your plantar fascia, the band of tissue that runs from your heel to your toes. It can lead to inflammation and pain.
2) Hammertoes
Hammertoes is a medical problem caused by the muscles in your foot failing to work together and causing one or more of your toes to curl under. It can lead to pain and difficulty walking. Hammertoes is more common with people who are overweight or obese because the added weight puts pressure on the muscles in your feet.
The symptoms of hammertoes include:
- Pain in the toes
- Corn or callus formation on the top of the toe or the ball of the foot
- Difficulty walking
- Inability to wear shoes due to pain or deformity
You must see a podiatrist for immediate relief if experiencing any of these symptoms.
Read more on how to prevent foot pain with six effective tips.
3) Bunions
Do you struggle to get shoes that fit comfortably? If you have a bunion, this may be the reason why. Bunions are one of the common foot problems and can be extremely painful. A bunion is a deformity of the big toe joint, which causes the big toe to point towards the other toes. It can cause the joint to become enlarged and swollen, making wearing shoes uncomfortable.
4) Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon is the large band of tissue connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone. The condition is caused by the overuse of the Achilles tendon, which can be aggravated by obesity. Achilles tendonitis results in pain and inflammation in the Achilles tendon. As an overweight person, the pain may worsen when you walk, run, or climb stairs. You may also have pain and stiffness in your calf.
The Advanced Foot & Ankle Institute get your treated with the best podiatrist in Marietta. Our podiatrist can help with foot and ankle problems caused by obesity. Call today to make an appointment.
