Losing weight can be healthy for a number of different areas of your body, and your feet are no exception. While weight loss shouldn’t be the only thing you are doing to prevent or treat foot issues, oftentimes shedding just a few pounds can take a immense amount of stress and strain off your feet. With that in mind, we wanted to use today’s blog to spotlight five foot conditions that tend to respond well to weight loss.
Losing Weigh To Treat Foot Conditions
Again, it’s important that we note that weight loss should not be the only form of treatment you pursue for your foot health. Exercise, physical therapy and custom orthotics are all great options to pair with weight loss for the best results.
Here’s a look at five conditions that may improve if you work to shed a few pounds.
1. Plantar Fasciitis – Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue on the underside of your foot arch becomes torn or inflamed. Your plantar fascia helps to handle and disperse stress as you move, and the heavier you are, the more stress the tissue will have to manage. Losing weight is oftentimes recommended for anyone working to overcome a plantar fascia issue.
2. Bunions – Losing weight can also help to slow or stop the progression of a bunion. Bunions tend to develop as a result of poor footwear and excessive stress on the big toe joint. Making sure you switch to a roomier footwear option is the most important step, but losing some weight can also help limit the continual shifting of the big toe joint.
3. Toenail Fungus – Studies have found that overweight and obese patients are more likely to develop toenail fungus. Among other factors, researchers believe that fungal infections may feed off the higher sugar content in an obese person’s blood. Managing your weight can also help to lower your toenail fungus risk.
4. Flat Feet – Fallen arches are another issue that can be exacerbated by excess weight. Repetitive stress takes a toll on your feet over the years, and this burden is larger if your arches are constantly under strain from excess body weight. Protect your arch and your foot shape by managing your weight.
5. Foot Surgery Success – Finally, losing weight prior to an operation can increase your risk of undergoing a successful surgery. Obesity is linked to an increased likelihood of many surgical complications, including bleeding, nerve damage and prolonged recovery time. You’re also going to be physically limited while you recover after surgery, so creating a healthy diet regimen prior to surgery can make it easier for you to avoid weight gain after your procedure.
Managing your weight can take a lot of strain off your feet and relieve them of the constant burden of dispersing the stress of your body weight. We recommend weight loss as part of a treatment program for many ailments, and to learn more about making changes so that you can experience the weight loss you desire, reach out to Dr. Silverman and the team at Silverman Ankle & Foot today at (952) 224-8500.
