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Many of the estimated 70 million obese Americans are trapped in a life-threatening vicious cycle: Obesity aggravates foot problems, like heel pain and flat feet; sore feet make it hard to exercise and lose weight; and without exercise, obesity worsens and exacerbates progression of diabetes, heart disease and other serious health threats.
It’s unfortunate obese adults get caught up in the vicious cycle of avoiding physical activity due to foot or ankle pain, thereby permitting cardiovascular disease and other life-threatening conditions to worsen as a result. For example, in many cases, chronic heel pain occurs from carrying too much weight. Left untreated, it becomes an impediment to physical activity and meaningful weight loss.
Even more commonly, patients suffer with onset of stress fractures. I call these individuals “weekend warriors”. They begin hard and aggressively an exercise regimen that puts so much stress on the foot bones that are not yet used to the activity, causing pain, time off the foot and recuperation before beginning an exercise regimen again. Pair the sudden increase in activity with poor shoe gear choice and obesity, the bones are likely to fail.
Another common problem comes from lack of stretching and strengthening the musculoskeletal system prior to beginning exercise. Similarly, this adds abnormal stresses on the joints and tendons which respond by becoming inflamed and painful, requiring potential immobilization, period of rest, and anti-inflammatories to resolve the issue.
There’s no reason foot or ankle pain should stop obese patients from exercising. The first step toward breaking that vicious cycle is an evaluation by a foot and ankle surgeon. Many causes of foot pain can be relieved without surgery through stretching exercises, orthotics and athletic shoes with good shock absorption and support. If a bunion, heel pain or other condition requires surgery, patients can participate during their recovery in non-weight-bearing activities, such as riding a stationary bike, swimming or weight training.
For those moderately to severely overweight, a thorough physical examination is mandatory before beginning an exercise program.
Once cleared by your physician to begin exercising, don’t try to do too much too soon. Follow a gradual routine until your body adjusts to the stress of regular physical activity. For example, I counsel overweight patients to avoid working out on treadmills or elliptical machines to minimize pounding and stress on their joints.
Shedding excess pounds helps diabetic patients control their disease, but many who experience foot ulcerations and vascular problems caused by diabetes might think they shouldn’t exercise. Every diabetes patient needs regular foot exams to check for possible sore spots and assess nerve sensation. And with proper diabetic foot care and the right footwear, most patients can follow an exercise regimen that is safe and appropriate for them.
Sahiba Singh DPM, AACFAS
For more information, you may contact Dr. Sahiba Singh at Family Foot & Leg Center at (239) 430 – 3668 (FOOT). Family Foot & Leg Center has 8 locations throughout Collier, Lee, & Charlotte Counties to quickly resolve all your foot and ankle problems.
FAMILY FOOT & LEG CENTER
6846 International Center Blvd, Suite B
Fort Myers, FL 33912
(239) 430 – 3668 (FOOT)
www.NaplesPodiatrist.com
