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Tuesday, 02 August 2022 00:00

How Being Overweight Affects the Feet

It is common knowledge that being overweight can lead to heart problems and other maladies. In addition, extra body weight can also be the cause of problems with your feet, ankles, knees, and hips. Research shows that the risk of a broken ankle or knee injury increases when a person's body mass index (BMI) is greater than 30-35. Being overweight puts extra pressure on the bones in the feet and ankles, which are not built to carry the amount of stress extra weight causes. Your gait, or the way you walk, may be altered. This in turn affects the legs, knees and hips, which can inhibit your ability to exercise or carry out daily activities. Perhaps the greatest risk of obesity is the onset of diabetes and/or high blood pressure, as well as the development of bunions, plantar fasciitis and other foot deformities. Paying attention to a healthy diet and exercising regularly can be the first steps in eliminating foot pain and other problems. If you are overweight and experience frequent or chronic foot pain, or if your ankles seem unstable, please consult with a podiatrist who can offer guidance and treatment options.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Michigan Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Livonia, and Southfield, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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Livonia
South Tower Professional Building
(734) 591-6612
(734) 591-6625 Fax

14555 Levan Road
Suite E-302
Livonia, MI 48154
Southfield
Chemical Bank
(248) 353-9300
(248) 353-9303 Fax

24725 W. 12 Mile Road
Suite 270
Southfield, MI 48034

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