5 Ways Weight Loss Can Stop Foot Pain
According to the NIH, about one-third of America is overweight. To us at New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group, that’s a lot of heel pain. Because when you’re carrying extra pounds, your feet are the first to feel the pressure.
The great news is that even a modest reduction in weight can lead to a massive improvement in how your feet feel every day. Here are five ways losing weight can transform your foot health.
1. Reduction in Plantar Fasciitis Pain
When you carry extra weight, your plantar fascia is stretched and inflamed with every step, which leads to those painful micro-tears and chronic inflammation. However, many of our patients report that losing weight helps to improve their plantar fasciitis because their fascia is a lot less overworked.
2. Less Wear and Tear on Your Joints
The many small joints in your feet and ankles are susceptible to osteoarthritis, which is essentially the wearing away of protective cartilage. More weight means more friction in those joints. Weight loss slows down the progression of joint degeneration, which helps you avoid that stiff, grinding sensation that makes walking tough.
3. Improved Circulation and Reduced Swelling
Carrying extra weight can put pressure on your veins, which makes it harder for blood to pump from your feet back up to your heart. This often leads to chronic swelling, or edema, which makes your shoes feel tight and your skin feel stretched.
4. Lower Risk of Diabetic Foot Complications
Weight management is a cornerstone of managing type 2 diabetes. By losing weight, you improve your blood sugar levels, which directly protects the nerves and blood vessels in your feet. This reduces your risk of developing neuropathy and the risk of unnoticed wounds and infections.
5. Better Arch Support
Over time, carrying excess weight can cause the arches of your feet to collapse, leading to a condition called acquired flatfoot. This change in foot shape can cause a domino effect of pain in your knees and hips. Losing weight helps preserve the natural shape of your foot and ensures your arches can do their job of absorbing shock properly.
Lose Weight to Prevent Foot Problems
You don’t have to reach your goal weight overnight to start feeling the benefits. Even losing five or ten pounds can dramatically improve your symptoms.
Give your foundation a break, and your feet will carry you much further!
If you’re worried about your foot pain, come see the expert team at New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group. With more than 30 locations, from Newark, NJ, to Cape May, NJ, we value convenience and excellent service for our patients. To schedule an appointment, first find a podiatrist in your area.
