Why might you want to lose weight? You might be trying to reduce stress on your cardiovascular system, to fit back into your favorite clothes, or to look your best for a big event. Those are all potential, and good, reasons to pursue healthy weight loss.
But if you suffer from heel pain due to the podiatry condition plantar fasciitis, you have an additional reason for weight loss. Getting to a healthy weight commonly improves plantar fasciitis pain.
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain in adults in the United States. If you’re suffering from heel or foot pain, get in touch with our team at Town Center Foot & Ankle for expert diagnosis and treatment. Visit our Kingwood, Texas, location anytime for plantar fasciitis support.
How does your body weight affect your plantar fasciitis symptoms? Let Dr. Stephen G. Eichelsdorfer (“Dr. Ike”) explain the physiology behind your heel pain and how you can improve your troublesome symptoms.
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia ligament that connects the ball of your foot to your heel becomes inflamed or torn. You have two plantar fascia, one in each foot.
How does stress become a problem for this part of your foot? There are a few factors at work. One of them is your arches.
If you have flat feet, you’re at a higher risk of plantar fasciitis. It also makes a difference how active you are and in what ways. Running on hard or uneven surfaces, for example, puts a lot of stress on your plantar fascia.
And it also makes a difference how much you weigh.
If you think about the way your body weight distributes, it’s clear why carrying excess body weight is likely to pose issues for your feet. Every added pound puts more pressure on your lower extremities, including your plantar fascia. That’s why being overweight or obese can make you prone to plantar fasciitis.
Maintaining a healthy body weight reduces your chances of developing plantar fasciitis. It’s also true that if you do develop this condition, weight loss may be an effective way to relieve your associated symptoms of heel pain.
Even moderate weight loss makes a big difference in terms of the pressure and stress your feet and lower body experience.
The stabbing heel pain of plantar fasciitis tends to feel worse after you’ve been sitting for long intervals, and often eases after you get moving. You might not feel inclined to go for a walk when your heel pain flares up, but, in fact, it might be the best strategy for short-term and long-term symptom relief.
For more advice on healthy weight loss strategies adapted for plantar fasciitis patients, talk to Dr. Ike and our Town Center Foot & Ankle team. With a customized treatment plan based on our expertise, you can successfully lose weight in a way that’s healthy and sustainable for your body and lifestyle.
To set up your initial consultation at Town Center Foot & Ankle in Kingwood, Texas, give us a call today.
