Your feet carry your entire body every day. When you introduce additional weight, your feet not only work harder, but they also undergo unnecessary stress and damage that can lead to serious issues. How can the condition of your feet improve as you shed the extra pounds?
1. You will experience less pressure and inflammation in your feet.
Excess weight causes the tendons of the feet to become inflamed. Weight loss helps to alleviate pain and inflammation on the Achilles tendon and the plantar fascia which can, in turn, relieve several painful foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis and Morton’s neuroma.
2. Your risk of developing gout or diabetic foot issues will decrease.
Carrying around excess weight can lead to the development of many other health concerns. Leaner diets can help to prevent the development of painful uric acid crystals in the feet, the characteristic indicator of gout. The less weight placed on your feet can help to promote blood flow and prevent nerve compression that is commonly experienced with diabetic neuropathy.
3. The health of your arch will improve.
Just 20 to 30 extra pounds of weight can cause serious issues for the feet and, over time, can cause the arch of your foot to collapse. Fallen arches can be painful and act as a precursor to other problems, such as pronation. Weight loss will help to prevent fallen arches as well as lessen the pressure placed on already flat feet.
4. Weight loss helps to prevent ankle arthritis.
Obesity heightens the risk of developing osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in your feet due to the breakdown of cartilage and tissue. This also encourages other forms of damage including ankle fractures and sprains. As you lose weight, the bones and joints in your feet will experience less wear and tear.
5. It is easier to exercise.
Exercising is easier and more enjoyable when less pressure is exerted on your feet and ankles. Exercise will not only aid in weight loss, but it will also help to strengthen the muscles of the feet to further alleviate pain and sensitivity as you are actively losing weight.
Maintaining a healthy weight can do more than just lower the number on your scale. It can relieve back pain, knee pain, breathing issues, and can have a positive impact on the health of your feet. Eat healthy, balanced meals, exercise regularly, and use our line of surgeon-designed footwear and specially formulated pain creams and sprays for optimal health and pain relief!