Obesity is a prevalent health concern worldwide that not only affects overall well-being but also exerts a significant impact on foot health. The excess weight carried by individuals with obesity places immense pressure and strain on the feet, leading to various musculoskeletal issues. Foot conditions worsened by obesity include plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and osteoarthritis. The arches of the feet may collapse under the weight, causing pain and discomfort, while the increased force on joints can accelerate the degenerative process. Furthermore, obesity contributes to the development of conditions like diabetic neuropathy and peripheral artery disease. This further compromises foot health and increases the risk of complications such as ulcers and infections. Managing obesity through lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise, plays a vital role in alleviating foot discomfort and preventing long-term complications. If you are overweight and are experiencing foot conditions, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can treat foot pain and offer you weight management tips.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact the foot specialists from Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Battle Creek, and Marshall, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Gout, a form of inflammatory arthritis that often affects the big toe, can be triggered by certain foods high in purines, compounds that break down into uric acid. Uric acid buildup can lead to the formation of painful urate crystals in the joints, commonly affecting the big toe. To manage gout effectively, it is essential to be mindful of foods that can exacerbate symptoms. These can include foods rich in purines such as red meat, organ meats like liver and kidneys, shellfish, anchovies, and sardines. Additionally, high-fructose corn syrup found in sweetened beverages and foods can increase uric acid levels, as can alcohol consumption, particularly beer and spirits. Processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and sugary snacks should also be limited. Instead, focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. By avoiding or moderating the consumption of gout-triggering foods and prioritizing a healthy lifestyle, individuals can better manage their condition and reduce the frequency and severity of gout attacks. If you have had one or more gout attacks, it is strongly suggested that you are under the care of a podiatrist who can help you manage this condition, which often includes effective preventative methods.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact the foot specialists from Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Battle Creek, and Marshall, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Toe fractures, though often overlooked, can cause significant discomfort and inconvenience. Whether it is the big toe or one of the smaller ones, any part of the toe can become fractured due to trauma or repetitive stress. Symptoms typically include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight. In severe cases, the toe may appear deformed or misaligned. Diagnosing a toe fracture involves a thorough physical examination and possibly imaging tests such as X-rays. Your podiatrist will assess the extent of the injury and determine the best course of treatment, which may include rest, elevation, and immobilization with a splint or buddy taping. In some cases, if the fracture is severe or displaced, surgery may be necessary to realign the bones and promote proper healing. If you have symptoms of a broken toe, it is suggested that you seek prompt medical attention from a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact the foot specialists from Spartan Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Battle Creek, and Marshall, MI . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.