A new study has linked high BMI (Body Mass Index) to non-specific foot pain.
The study, published in Obesity Reviews, reviewed and analyzed 25 scholarly papers on BMI, and the effect of weight loss on alleviating foot pain. The results showed a strong relationship between BMI and general foot pain, as well as chronic plantar heel pain amongst non-athletes. There was also minor evidence relating weight loss surgery to a reduction in foot pain.
The report noted that since obesity is increasing around the world, chronic foot pain is likely to increase as well.
“It should not be surprising that being overweight hurts your feet,” says Minnesota Foot & Ankle Surgeon, Dr. Lance Silverman. “Every pound you weight adds three pounds to your foot as you walk. The foot has 38 joints with over 100 ligaments and muscles to support it. Despite that, it cannot tolerate being over stressed repetitively. This study is important because it gives hope to people with the simple diagnosis of foot pain secondary to overloading. With diminished loading the pain can resolve. Everyone knows intuitively that losing weight makes your feet feel better—now we can prove it.”
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