Childhood obesity exerts a significant toll on foot health, with excess weight placing immense pressure on the feet, leading to structural changes like flat feet and pronation. This alters biomechanics and increases the risk of painful conditions such as plantar fasciitis and stress fractures. Childhood obesity can also delay skeletal development, causing abnormalities and leg length discrepancies. Foot pain and discomfort are common among overweight children, hindering physical activity and increasing the likelihood of further weight gain. Encouraging children to engage in low-impact exercises, like swimming or cycling, can alleviate pressure on the feet while promoting overall fitness. Custom-made orthotics can redistribute pressure, enhance shock absorption, and improve alignment, reducing the risk of injuries and alleviating discomfort. If your child is overweight and experiences foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for treatment options.
The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Arthur Segall, Jr., DPM from Segall Foot and Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Obesity and Your Feet
People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.
Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity
- When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
- Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
- Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Plantation, and Ft. Lauderdale, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
