The Effects Obesity Has On the Feet
It’s important to maintain proper foot care, and added weight can result in the development of numerous foot conditions. Being overweight may limit the type of exercise that is needed for correct body care, and the feet may be negatively affected. Edema, which is often referred to as swollen ankles, is a common side effect the feet may endure as a result of extra weight. The feet will be among the many parts of the body that will be positively affected after losing weight, which can include better blood circulation and more manageable edema. Choosing shoes with maximum support, which may typically consist of a sturdy sole, can aid the foot in achieving optimum comfort. Please schedule a consultation with a podiatrist to acquire additional information of how obesity can affect the feet
The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Obesity and Your Feet
People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.
Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity
- When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
- Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
- Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Basking Ridge, NJ, near Warren, Stirling, and Bedminster . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
How is Morton’s Neuroma Diagnosed?
If you have a condition referred to as Morton’s Neuroma, you may be experiencing pain that is felt on the ball of the foot and extends to the bottom of the toes. This condition typically originates from wearing narrow shoes that fit incorrectly and may result in inflammation of surrounding nerves. This generally causes severe pain and discomfort, and relief is found when the offending shoe is removed. This ailment needs to be properly diagnosed, and this often consists of performing an MRI or ultrasound. An additional test may be implemented, which involves pressure that is exerted on the toes and surrounding areas. Once a proper diagnosis has been completed, possible treatment options may consist of wearing efficient arch support or having steroids injected. It’s suggested to consult with a podiatrist if you would like additional information on Morton’s Neuroma.
Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.
Morton’s Neuroma
Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.
What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?
- Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
- Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
- Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities
Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Basking Ridge, NJ, near Warren, Stirling, and Bedminster . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
What are the Symptoms of Poor Circulation?
If you observe that your toenails have developed a blue or grayish hue, you may have what is referred to as poor circulation. Since the feet are typically the first area of the body where this condition is noticed, a blue or gray tinge is generally a good indicator that circulation concerns exist. There may be several reasons for this ailment to occur, and these may include a sedentary lifestyle, type 2 diabetes, or obesity. Consistent movement during the day, such as standing or walking, can help in allowing the arteries to freely carry blood and oxygen. Common symptoms that may be experienced can include a weakened pulse, cold sensations in the feet, or you may notice discolored skin. There are avenues that can be implemented to help poor circulation, including smoking cessation, incorporating exercise into your daily routine, and wearing comfortable shoes. If you would like information about poor circulation, please schedule a consultation with a podiatrist to discuss the best preventative techniques that are right for you.
While poor circulation itself isn’t a condition; it is a symptom of another underlying health condition you may have. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact Dr. Christine Quinn of New Jersey. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Poor Circulation in the Feet
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can potentially lead to poor circulation in the lower extremities. PAD is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to narrow. In a linked condition called atherosclerosis, the arteries stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels. These two conditions can cause a decrease in the amount of blood that flows to your extremities, therefore resulting in pain.
Symptoms
Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Throbbing or stinging pain in limbs
- Pain
- Muscle Cramps
Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs.
As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you. A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Basking Ridge, NJ, near Warren, Stirling, and Bedminster . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
Are Medical Conditions Related to our Feet?
It has often been recognized that many conditions concerning the feet may be indicative of the overall health of the body. If muscle spasms in the feet are experienced, it may be a result of certain vitamin deficiencies, which may cause dehydration. Additionally, if the feet are generally cold for a majority of the time, health issues such as diabetes or anemia may be present. Swollen and tender feet may represent the body’s inability to properly circulate the blood. Gout, a form of arthritis, is an extremely painful condition that typically affects men. This ailment is often triggered by a buildup of uric acid crystals, caused by ingesting excessive alcohol or meat. A condition referred to as foot drop indicates difficulty in lifting the front of the foot. This may be a result of the body incurring nerve damage, possibly originating from a leg injury. It’s suggested to consult with a podiatrist if you are affected by any of these conditions.
When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Dr. Christine Quinn from New Jersey. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.
Systemic Diseases of the Feet
Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable. Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.
Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.
Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.
Diabetes of the Feet
Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.
Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Basking Ridge, NJ, near Warren, Stirling, and Bedminster . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.