Carrying extra pounds can put a lot of pressure on the heel pad, leading to inflammation in the plantar fascia and resulting pain. People with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more are almost six times more likely to develop plantar fasciitis than those with a normal weight. The extra weight that the feet support while doing daily activities can cause pain in most of the foot, including the heel, which can lead to plantar fasciitis. This is a tear in the plantar fascia, which connects the heel to the toes. Many overweight patients find it difficult to implement stretching and exercise techniques due to their extra weight.
If you are overweight and have pain in your feet, it is important to speak to a podiatrist who can guide you toward healthy lifestyle habits. As with any chronic pain throughout your body, getting a diagnosis from an expert podiatrist will help you take better care of your feet in the long term. Obesity is likely the main culprit of plantar fasciitis, as it adds stress to the fascia and heel over time. Diabetes is also closely linked to plantar fasciitis, although they do not necessarily accompany each other at the same time. The more overweight a person is, the higher their level of disability due to heel pain. Treatments for plantar fasciitis usually include proper rest, nutrition, exercise and stretching, not only before a workout but in the morning.
Strengthening the legs with proper practice, changing shoes, using foot equipment such as arch supports, taking anti-inflammatory supplements and, finally, surgery can all help provide relief. The arch (plantar fascia), or the thick band of fabric that extends between the sole of the foot and the heel, is primarily responsible for distributing weight and absorbing the impact of daily activities. There are some risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing plantar fasciitis compared to others. High blood glucose (sugar) can cause damage to the nerves and tissues in the feet over time, worsening existing foot problems, including plantar fasciitis. Heel pain due to plantar fasciitis can make it extremely difficult to lose weight with exercise, which means that obesity and heel pain can turn into a vicious circle. At Lake Erie Podiatry in Erie, Pennsylvania, Plantar Fasciitis Specialist Michael Ruiz, DPM can help you explore the link between obesity and plantar fasciitis, as well as find ways to control or prevent pain in the sole of your foot. Each podiatric patient requires and deserves an individualized treatment program, but the overweight patient with plantar fasciitis may require even more specialized care. The conclusion that obesity increases the risk of disability from plantar fasciitis should come as no surprise.
People who are overweight are more likely to have nonspecific foot pain and those specifically affected by excess weight that causes pain in their feet are likely to see improvements in conditions such as plantar fasciitis. Podiatric problems related to obesity include chronic heel pain and plantar fasciitis. Researchers have also found that heel pain from plantar fasciitis is likely to be more severe in people who are overweight, with the highest risk of disability and long-term damage.
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