Can Being Overweight Cause Foot Pain?

Yes, doctors say. The modern-day epidemic of obesity has led many people to develop increased stress on their feet as they walk around the world. In fact, some people who are overweight can even develop pain in their joints because of excessive weight, which is sometimes seen as a lifestyle issue and not a health concern. Because obese individuals consume more calories than non-obese individuals and physical activity levels tend to decrease with an increase in size, there is often less pain and stiffness than what would be experienced by those who are considered normal weight.

Even though overweight people may not show any signs of pain or injury, don’t assume the problem doesn’t exist. People who are overweight may be more susceptible to foot problems due to their increased body weight, making it easier for injuries to be caused by certain activities. Excessive weight can cause biomechanical changes in the feet, which may lead to lower back pain, knee pain, muscle strain, and tendinitis. This is because the excess weight places additional stress on joints and tendons that must support it.

Obesity And Common Foot Conditions

Obesity refers to being significantly overweight than what is generally considered healthy. Obesity can lead to other health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, but it can also cause other problems, including foot problems. A person is considered obese when they have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 and more. One of the most common foot conditions is plantar fasciitis (PF), which typically affects people who are overweight or have run a large number of miles. The repetitive force on one’s feet from jogging and walking can cause the tissues to become inflamed and overworked, causing pain in the heel or arch. This condition is caused by excessive strain on one’s tissue, mainly due to improper biomechanics. 

If you weigh more than the average person and you experience foot pain, people might assume that your weight is the cause of your condition. However, there are other factors that could be causing your pain. For example:

You could have a disease or another medical condition that is causing your pain. There are many other diseases that can be misdiagnosed because one is overweight.

Your weight could be the result of bad biomechanics, over-pronation, or plantar fasciitis. You could have flat feet, high arches, or heel striking that put excessive stress on your body and lead to PF. The biomechanics, pronation, and heel striking are all discussed in detail below.

You could have a nerve issue in your feet, which causes pain to travel up through your body.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis is a pain that can be caused by:

Overuse: 

Overusing the feet and not allowing them to rest and heal between activities. Repeated activities on foot, especially running and/or walking, can cause muscle fatigue and lead to an overused area. The same problem occurs if your shoes are too tight.

Heel Buckles: 

Women who wear heels on a regular basis may notice that their feet hurt more after wearing heels for a long time or after having worn them for a few consecutive days. The reason is that they are becoming “Shoe-bound,” and the pressure exerted by the heels on a plantar fascia is a contributing factor. This can be avoided by not wearing heels for a long time or changing your shoes.

Injury: 

Injury to the heel bone from an accident, from being kicked, from sudden twisting of the foot, from running on hard surfaces, or from improper use of a shoe can also cause pain.

Socks: 

If your shoes fit well and your feet are in good condition, socks may not play a role in reducing or eliminating foot pain. On the other hand, if you have poor circulation, tight-fitting socks can cause the blood to pool in the feet and cause swelling and inflammation, which in turn can lead to foot pain and tissue damage.

As mentioned above, heel-buckled shoes may also cause ankle pain and therefore should be avoided if it is possible.

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a fibrous ligament. This thick band of connective tissue runs from the heel bone to the forefoot.

The plantar fascia helps support the arch of the foot, and it acts as a shock absorber for weight-bearing actions such as walking and running. In addition, the plantar fascia is responsible for controlling the pressure of your foot on the ground by absorbing weight from your heel to your toes.

The fibers of the plantar fascia have a natural tendency to stretch when they are under flexure. This happens when your heel drags on the ground, and it causes pain in the heel and in the toes.

Obesity puts a lot of strain on the feet, which may lead to this painful ailment. The additional weight makes your foot more prone to damage and recurrent stress. Plantar fasciitis is a widespread ailment that affects roughly one out of every ten individuals, and it is most frequent between the ages of 30 and 50.

However, plantar fasciitis can occur at any time during the lifetime of an individual.

Hallux Valgus or Bunions

The study showed that 25% of the obese participants experienced hallux valgus. Hallux valgus is a condition involving the angle between the big toe and second toe to become more acute, resulting in a bunion or a bony growth at the base of the big toe. The report is part of a study examining the relationship between obesity and lower limb pain in 3,500 working-age adults in England. The study’s authors concluded that it is possible that people suffer from foot disorders due to being overweight or obese.

In order to avoid developing hallux valgus, it is recommended that individuals wear shoes with good arch support and avoid high heels.

A bunion is the migration of the big toe sideways toward the second toe. The disease occurs when the big toe is forced to pronate and the second toe supinates, causing thickening and displacement of the joint. This condition is caused by the abnormal shape of the foot, which grows on the outside of the tibia.

Although some bunion treatment procedures are performed for cosmetic purposes, it is best to have surgery if symptoms are causing pain or limiting your ability to walk or perform activities. All surgeries can be performed on an outpatient basis, so it’s never too late to seek care.

Hammertoe

Hammertoe is another foot deformity resulting from the imbalance of muscles, tendons, and ligaments around your toe joint. Hammertoe is often caused by excess weight and tight shoes, as well as those with diabetes, those who have fallen, and those who have had ankle surgery.

More common at the big toe than the other toes, this condition can cause pain, especially when walking. It’s also vicious because it’s usually only the big toe that is affected.

Part of the heel bone can actually break off if someone has severe hammertoe. The big toe can extend up toward the other toes, resulting in pain.

Because the hammertoe is the toe that is affected, it will try to flex and extend out of its joint. It can cause an intense burning sensation like a toothache at the base of your big toe. Often it’s impossible to walk without pain due to hyper-extension and hyperpronation (rolling of the foot).

Childhood Obesity

Obese children are at a high risk of foot problems when they get older. Being overweight can affect their physical development and limit their movement, which can put pressure on their feet and cause them to ache. Reduced blood flow and osteoarthritis in the bones of the feet may also develop, causing pain in muscles and joints. Obesity causes greater pressure on the feet and ankles. Overweight children have a higher risk of foot problems, which can cause problems with walking, running, jumping, and climbing stairs. These problems may lead to back pain and injuries.

Previous studies have shown that as many as 60% of people who are overweight as children continue to be overweight as adults. In an earlier study from the University of Vermont, the risk factors involved in foot deformities were identified after reviewing data from a number of different cases. A new study published in the Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics has now shown that three out of five overweight children suffer foot deformities. 

Weight Loss And Foot Pain Relief

Obesity is linked to greater stress on the feet. Studies show that losing even a few pounds can help people with lower back pain. This will result in a less susceptible foot to injury and discomfort. The increased flexibility in the shoe will also help lessen the likelihood of an acute or chronic condition from developing.

A study was conducted to determine whether weight loss would be beneficial in alleviating lower extremity foot pain and pressure due to varus malalignment. Male and female subjects between the age of 50 and 70 years were recruited from the community and participated in a randomized, prospective, double-blinded clinical trial. Individuals were given a bodyweight measurement and sent home with one pair of shoes. After two weeks, the subjects visited the clinic for assessment.

The results showed that those who had lost weight reported greater relief from lower extremity foot pain and pressure. In addition to this, the subjects who had lost weight reported less stiffness of the lower extremity as well as a reduction in foot pain.

Other research shows that losing 10% of one’s body weight can improve physical performance and decrease the risk of injury during exercise up to 4%.

Treating Foot Pain

There are several reasons why foot pain can become so painful, discomforting, and frustrating. However, there are some additional causes that are normally overlooked in its treatment. If you are suffering from any one of the causes mentioned below, then you should visit a doctor to diagnose the exact cause of your foot pain.

-Obesity The obesity of the body, especially the belly and the hips, places a strain on all of the body parts and joints. The tissue and muscles tend to weaken over time, causing foot pain. Gaining weight is not always a positive thing for your health and also for your feet.

-Crampy Feet The presence of cramps in your feet brings about several painful symptoms such as loss of balance, numbness, sharp pain, or burning sensation in certain areas of the foot like the mid-foot area or between toes. Cramps in the feet are caused by several factors, including lack of blood supply, nerve damage, or circulatory problems. Although it is not a big problem, these cramps can cause severe pain in the legs and ankles.

-Low Blood Pressure Blood pressure refers to the force exerted by blood on the walls of the arteries. If your blood pressure is low, it means that there is not enough blood reaching your body parts, including your feet.

Learning about your foot condition and getting a diagnosis will help you take care of your feet better. Aside from maintaining a proper diet and losing weight, this is the best way to get healthy feet. The most experienced foot pain doctors are listed below. A doctor will need to understand your health history before recommending a treatment plan for your foot pain. Consulting with a doctor from our list of Hospitals below will ensure that you receive the recommended treatment as well as proper advice from an expert.

How Can Obesity Affect Your Foot Health?

Obese individuals are more likely to develop foot problems than their non-obese counterparts.

Excess weight is associated with several foot conditions. Chief among these are Arthritis, which is caused by inflamed joints and the formation of the bone spurs that cause pain in the affected area, and Bunions, which are deformities of the toes in which one or both of the bones in your big toe becomes smaller than normal.

Key foot problems associated with obesity:

Changes in the size of your feet: Obesity often causes feet to be wider, longer, and thicker

Foot and ankle problems: Obesity can lead to poor blood circulation, which can cause the nerves in your feet and ankles to become irritated. This reduces your ability to feel pain and can increase your chances of injury.

Vascular conditions: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of diabetes — a condition that greatly increases the likelihood of developing a peripheral vascular disease (PVD) or reduced blood flow in the legs and feet. PVD includes everything from pain to gangrene to amputation.

Foot problems associated with being overweight or obese are the most common foot conditions in the US.

Bunions: Bunions are deformities of the big toe that can cause pain, swelling, and inflammation. Bunions are very common among people who are overweight but may also appear after an injury or after wearing high heels that have widened your toe bed. Bunions are caused by the bones in your toe becoming misaligned.

Nail problems: A bunion can also cause a deformity of the nail on your affected toe. This is known as a big clawed toe, and it can become ingrown, making it prone to infection.

Plantar fasciitis: Obesity can lead to plantar fasciitis or inflammation of the tissue that extends from your heel to the ball of your foot under the arch. The reason for this is the same. 

FAQs

Is there a correlation between weight and foot pain?

Yes, if you are overweight, there is a strong possibility that your feet will hurt. If you are not overweight, the chance of experiencing foot pain is relatively low. There are several causes of foot pain, and weight is only one of the causes. Whatever the cause may be, being overweight reduces function and can lead to chronic pain.

What causes plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of foot pain that affects the connective tissue layer between the heel bone and the toes. This condition is caused by repetitive mechanical strain and will gradually get worse until it becomes chronic.

Will losing weight will help with foot pain?

The answer is yes. If you lose weight, the burden on the foot will be reduced. This causes a reduction in mechanical strain, which in turn reduces pain.

In your opinion, what is the best way for someone to lose weight without losing too much muscle mass?

The answer is to use a resistance training program that can help you lose body fat and not muscle mass. The idea behind a resistance training program is to lift heavier weights in order to put your muscles under tension.

What causes bursitis in the feet and ankles?

Bursitis occurs when painful swelling and inflammation occur in the tendons or ligaments that attach muscles to bone. The tendons and ligaments serve as attachment points for muscles and allow them to move during weight-bearing activities. When the bursa is inflamed, painful swelling and inflammation occur in the tendon or ligament.

Why is it important to wear good-fitting shoes when overweight?

Shoes that are too small or too big can cause your feet to hurt. Other issues are shoes that are too stiff or too soft. Shoes that are too stiff, especially in the forefoot area, can cause the plantar fascia to become strained with weight-bearing activities. If your feet are not supported properly, they will begin to hurt. Shoes that are too soft will not provide enough support for your feet, causing them to hurt.

How can you find supportive shoes at a fair price when being overweight or obese?

First, you can use a shoe-fitting device. The device itself will not be able to fit the shoe to your foot, but it will give you a rough estimate of what size shoe to buy. In addition, this method is not 100% accurate because it may not fit your foot completely.

Secondly, many athletic shoe stores have a wide range of shoes from different brands, so if one does not have what you are looking for, go to another store.

What are the most effective exercises for plantar fasciitis?

First, for people for whom the pain is new or getting worse, try doing a very mild stretching exercise or an exercise involving stretching of the calves.

Secondly, If you have already been treated with NSAID drugs and they are not working very well. Then give your body about two months to completely heal the inflammation before you start any exercise program.

What measures can you take to reduce foot pain?

The first thing you can do is to use a foot support device. This device provides relief from the symptoms of heel pain and plantar fasciitis. The second thing you can do is to use a heel pad. This gives your heel a little more padding, which will help during weight-bearing activities.

How can you prevent or treat overpronation with shoes?

Include shoes with a wider forefoot base. This can also help reduce heel pain. You can also use thicker insoles. If you are overweight, the insoles will not provide the support your foot needs. The manufacturers of running shoes do not make their products to accommodate overweight people.

How might you be treating your feet incorrectly?

Foot pain can be very painful, especially if it is caused by plantar fasciitis. If you are overweight, weight-bearing activities will put more strain on your feet, resulting in more pain. Overweight people are at a higher risk of developing foot pain because of the additional amount of weight on their feet. Overweight people are also at risk of lower back pain because of the extra weight that is put on the knees and hips.

How can you prevent plantar fasciitis?

If you are overweight, you should lose weight. Placing too much strain on your feet will cause them to hurt. Overweight people are at a higher risk of developing plantar fasciitis because the extra weight puts additional strain on their feet, and they cannot compensate for this added stress.

What exercise can you do to strengthen the muscles of your feet?

Overweight patients who experience foot pain can use a simple exercise to strengthen their feet and prevent future problems such as plantar fasciitis or shin splints. This exercise involves curling up the toes while standing in place.

Can shoes that are too small cause foot pain?

Shoes often feel small when you first wear them, but after a while, they fit better and feel more natural. However, there are some disadvantages to this type of shoe. The size of the shoes is not accurate because it does not allow for enough room for your feet to grow. Also, the shoe may cause pain in your feet because it fits too tightly around the toes. If you are now wearing snug shoes that hurt your feet, try using a shoe stretcher, or you can rent a shoe stretcher at most pharmacies.

What is the most important factor in the proper fitting of shoes when overweight or obese?

The most important factor of properly fitting shoes is to get a shoe that fits your foot completely. If the shoe is too small, you will start to get pain or soreness in your feet.