Can weight affect my Feet?

The health risks of excess weight and obesity feature frequently in the news. One aspect not often reported on is the effect they can have on your feet. In fact, excess weight contributes to a myriad of foot problems routinely seen by our footcare professionals. So yes, unfortunately, being overweight could affect your feet.

Increased risk of Diabetes

One of the most serious is diabetic foot ulcers. Diabetic ulcers are persistent sores or wounds that develop on the feet of people with diabetes. The link between excess weight and type 2 diabetes is well known. However, what is less known is that foot ulcers are the most common reason for hospital stays. Lower limb amputations are a real risk with foot ulcers in people who have diabetes. This is a prime example of how being overweight can affect your feet. Check your feet regularly for any signs of pressure sores, ingrown nails or foreign debris in your footwear.

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Foot, Ankle and Knee Pain

Being Overweight can also affect your feet with chronic heel pain. Heel pain is one of the most common reasons people seek help from We Fix Feet. Conditions causing heel pain, which excess weight will exacerbate, include Plantar Fasciitis, Heel Spurs and Achilles Tendonitis.

Even some relatively minor foot problems can be affected by your weight. For example, one cause of Cracked Heels is excess weight increasing the pressure on the fat pad under the heel. This increased pressure causes it to expand sideways and the surrounding skin to fissure, or crack.

Lose the extra weight

If you’re overweight, losing even a few kilograms, or a few extra pounds in weight will make a difference to your feet. Losing excess weight will also benefit your overall health.

It’s important to remember however, that weight loss alone may not eliminate persistent foot problems. Being overweight can affect your feet and cause permanent damage that cannot be reversed.

For assessment and advice on other contributing factors, please contact us to book your appointment at one of our clinics in Ilkeston, Derbyshire and Beeston, Nottinghamshire.