[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.22″ background_color=”#ffffff” custom_padding_tablet=”50px|0|50px|0″ transparent_background=”off” padding_mobile=”off” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Obesity and Heel Pain” content_max_width=”none” admin_label=”Fullwidth Header” _builder_version=”3.16″ background_color=”rgba(255, 255, 255, 0)” button_one_letter_spacing_hover=”0″ button_two_letter_spacing_hover=”0″ button_one_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_size__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_text_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_width__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled=”off” button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”on” button_one_letter_spacing__hover=”0″ button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”on” button_two_letter_spacing__hover=”0″ button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off” button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled=”off”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row padding_mobile=”off” admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on” column_structure=”3_4,1_4″][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” module_id=”testimonials-content” _builder_version=”4.6.0″ text_line_height=”2em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
In the United States, 38% of adults are considered obese<\/a>.<\/p>\n And while it\u2019s widely known that obesity increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, arthritis, diabetes, cancer, sleep apnea, hernias, and respiratory problems, many people don\u2019t know that obesity or weight gain also increases the risk of heel pain and Plantar Fasciitis<\/a>.<\/p>\n While Plantar Fasciitis isn\u2019t necessarily caused by being overweight, several studies have documented the strong correlation between obesity and Plantar Fasciitis<\/a>. Researchers have also found that heel pain from Plantar Fasciitis is likely to be more severe for individuals who are overweight, with the highest risk of disability and long-term damage.<\/a><\/p>\n The arch (plantar fascia), or the thick band of tissue that runs between the ball of the foot and the heel, is primarily responsible for distributing weight and absorbing the impact from daily activities. Carrying extra weight dramatically increases the impact of these daily activities, which can lead to flattening, trauma, micro-injuries, and eventual Plantar Fasciitis in the arch of the foot.<\/p>\n It\u2019s important to understand that healthy or unavoidable weight gain (for example, from pregnancy or the side effects of certain medication) can significantly increase one\u2019s risk of heel pain as well.<\/strong><\/p>\n Heel pain from Plantar Fasciitis can make it extremely difficult to lose weight with exercise, meaning that obesity and heel pain can become a vicious cycle.<\/p>\n And for people with chronic weight issues caused by medications, or rapid weight gain from pregnancy, it may not be realistic or possible to lose weight.<\/p>\n It\u2019s also important to understand that typical remedies for heel pain may be less effective when combined with obesity. For example, rest is often an effective remedy for Plantar Fasciitis. However, for individuals who are overweight or obese, the plantar fascia is more easily injured and often inflamed by even simple activities, like walking around the grocery store.<\/p>\n The following strategies and treatments can be helpful when treating heel pain alongside obesity or rapid weight gain:<\/p>\n Lifestyle changes are one of the best ways to decrease heel pain due to obesity that is not caused by pregnancy or medications. By losing some weight, it\u2019s possible to relieve some of the pressure on the arch of the foot. Diet and low-impact exercise that doesn\u2019t strain or flatten the fascia are two of the most effective strategies:<\/p>\n Low-impact exercises avoid running, jumping, and impact to the feet and legs. By incorporating low-impact cardio like water aerobics, swimming, or cycling as well as low-impact strength training like yoga and pilates, you can avoid stressing your injured fascia while strengthening your body and losing weight.<\/p>\n Diet is just as important as exercise in losing weight, and it can also play a role in reducing the inflammation in your fascia and promoting healing. Try to add as many healthy inflammation-busting foods<\/a> to your diet as possible, reduce your calorie intake, limit or eliminate sugar, and make sure your diet is filled with plenty of fiber, fruits and vegetables, protein, and nuts.<\/p>\nObesity And Heel Pain<\/h2>\n
Treatments for Heel Pain with Obesity<\/h2>\n
Diet Changes and Low-Impact Exercise<\/h3>\n
Low-Impact Exercise<\/h4>\n
Healthy Diet and Low-Inflammation Foods<\/h4>\n
Stretching and Strengthening the Feet and Legs<\/h4>\n