8 Ways Obesity Burdens Your Feet and Ankles
According to the CDC, about 40 percent of adults in the U.S. are obese. And while the health effects of too much fat are widely emphasized, not much attention is placed on the feet. Today, we at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center will explain how obesity could burden your foundation in various ways.
Increased Mechanical Stress
With every step, our feet absorb forces equal to several times our body weight. If you’re carrying excess pounds, you are overloading your bones, joints, and muscles and straining your tissues beyond their normal capacity. Those are the biomechanics- so what are the consequences?
Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain
Of course, one of the most common tissues that gets stressed is the plantar fascia, which runs along the bottom of your foot. Obesity not only increases the risk of developing plantar fasciitis but also makes it more challenging to treat.
Tendonitis
Beyond plantar fasciitis, other tendons in the feet and ankles also face increased strain. The posterior tibial tendon, which essentially supports your arch, can become inflamed or dysfunctional, and similarly, peroneal tendons on the outside of the ankle can develop tendonitis due to the altered gait and stabilization required by a heavier frame. This constant overuse can lead to chronic pain and instability.
Flat Feet
Over time, the ligaments and tendons that maintain this arch can weaken and stretch under the constant load and, cause it to gradually collapse. This flattening not only leads to pain in the arch itself but also results in the foot rolling inward excessively, which can create a ripple effect of alignment problems affecting the ankles, knees, and even the hips and lower back.
Arthritis
The foot and ankle joints also suffer from obesity, as an accelerated degradation of cartilage means quicker development of osteoarthritis. This degenerative joint disease leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility as the cartilage breaks down.
Gout
A higher body mass index is directly correlated with higher levels of uric acid in their blood. This acid forms sharp crystals in the joints that most commonly attack the big toe.
Skin Disorders
Increased pressure can lead to more frequent calluses and corns. Skin folds in larger feet can also trap moisture and increase the risk of fungal infections like athlete’s foot. The combination of increased pressure, altered biomechanics, and often reduced circulation (common with obesity) also elevates the risk of non-healing wounds and ulcers, especially if you are diabetic.
Lymphedema
This is when lymphatic fluid accumulates and causes persistent swelling, often in the legs and feet. Even without full lymphedema, excess weight makes individuals more prone to chronic swelling due to poor fluid circulation. This can lead to skin changes, infection, and overall discomfort.
For more foot care facts and advice, consult Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center in Fairfax County, Virginia, about any podiatric concerns you’re facing. Set up an appointment today to find relief!
