Obesity: How It Impacts Your Feet and Best Orthotics & Shoes
Obesity occurs when a person carries excess body fat or weight that might affect their health. Not only does it cause many health complications, but obesity can also take a tremendous toll on your feet. Feet support the entire weight of the body; therefore, any excess weight can cause decreased blood circulation and inflammation in the tendons and plantar fascia, which can lead to pain and discomfort. If you’re carrying around extra weight, it’s important to keep a close eye on your feet for signs they may be suffering as a result.
IMPACT OF OBESITY ON YOUR FEET
The impact of obesity on your feet is a significant health concern that often goes overlooked. Carrying excess weight places immense stress on the feet, as they bear the brunt of the body's load. Over time, this added pressure can lead to a range of debilitating foot conditions. From aching arches to painful heel spurs and the heightened risk of conditions like plantar fasciitis, obesity can exacerbate foot pain and discomfort. Furthermore, the structural changes in the feet due to excess weight can alter one's gait and balance, potentially increasing the risk of falls and injuries. To mitigate these effects, maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise is crucial. Additionally, seeking supportive footwear and orthotic solutions can help alleviate the strain on your feet and promote overall foot health.
PLANTAR FASCIITIS
Obesity can increase the risk of heel pain and plantar fasciitis which occurs when the plantar fascia is excessively stretched. Every time your foot strikes the ground, the plantar fascia is stretched. The pain is commonly felt in the arch and heel in one or both feet, usually worst in the morning during the first few steps or after sitting for a long time.
OVERPRONATION
As a result of the additional weight, sometimes feet can get wider and arches can collapse, causing overpronation or "flat feet." Overpronation is a common condition that occurs in the walking process when a person's arch collapses upon weight bearing, causing the foot to roll inward.
Overpronation can lead to misalignment in the ankles, knees, and hips which can cause back and neck pain. If you overpronate, it is important to ensure you have shoes and orthotics with proper arch support to realign the feet and ankles to avoid additional postural issues that can lead to pain or discomfort.
POSTURAL CHANGES
Additional weight gain can cause a change in the way you carry your body, and as a result, your alignment and gait can change. The additional strain placed on the feet and ankles as a result of an improper posture and gait can cause discomfort, or pain that can travel all the way from the feet up through the neck.
GOUT
Gout develops when uric acid crystals develop in the joints. This build-up can cause sharp, severe pain typically focused on the big toe. If you experience gout, it’s important to know what foods trigger flare-ups and to avoid them.
DIABETES
A person with obesity is at a significantly higher risk for diabetes. Diabetes can cause neuropathy or numbness/tingling in the feet due to reduced blood flow in the extremities. As a result, those with diabetes are more likely to develop small injuries that go unnoticed and can become infected; therefore, it’s critical for diabetics to get their feet checked regularly.
TIPS TO RELIEVE FOOT PAIN CAUSED BY OBESITY:
- Choose footwear and orthotics that support your posture and feet. An ill-fitting shoe can worsen the condition of your feet
- Try exercises like walking or swimming to help improve blood circulation
- Try to constantly move your body to encourage blood flow to the feet
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST ORTHOTICS FOR OBESITY
People who are obese tend to put more strain on their feet, knees, and lower back which could lead to severe health problems. Aetrex Orthotics have important features like arch support and heel support that can help align the back and reduce the amount of shock on the feet.
Benefits of Aetrex Orthotics:
- Signature Aetrex arch support helps align your body correctly
- Posted heel helps provide balance and control overpronation
- Memory foam provides extra cushioning
- Helps distribute weight evenly
The Aetrex Signature Arch Support is strategically placed further back to provide the right balance and support to the most weight-bearing part of the body. It provides a strong foundation for the plantar fascia to help keep it from stretching which usually occurs when you stand or walk.
BEST ORTHOTICS FOR OBESITY
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST SHOES FOR OBESITY
Aetrex Shoes are designed to help the natural alignment of the body. All Aetrex shoes include Aetrex's Signature arch support, either built into the footbed or with a removable insole. With a range of different shoe styles, each with its own list of helpful features, you'll be sure to find the right pair with all the support you need.
Features & Benefits of Aetrex Shoes:
Here is a list of product features and benefits that are found in Aetrex shoes, depending on the style.
- Adjustable laces and hook & loop straps for easy on and off
- Wide widths to offer more room
- Stretchy materials to improve comfort and provide more room in the shoe
- Removable insole with arch support and premium foam cushioning
- Padded heel for extra comfort
- Memory foam cushioning to evenly distribute weight and provide comfort
- A met bar pod on the bottom of the shoe to help relieve ball-of-foot discomfort or stress
BEST SHOES FOR OBESITY
Reference: Dr. George Ampat FRCS (Tr & Orth), Consultant Orthopaedic Spinal Surgeon
