Obesity is a significant issue impacting many people around the globe. Besides its commonly known health problems, recent research has shown a surprising connection between obesity and flat feet. This blog post aims to investigate this link, understand the effects of weight on foot health, and suggest possible ways to ease discomfort and improve overall health.
What Are Flat Feet?
Flatfoot is a condition where the foot arch is lowered, causing the foot sole to have more contact with the ground. This condition affects about 20-30% of the population due to the absence of proper arch formation during growth.
Flat feet can make running or walking challenging due to ankle strain. Additionally, it can disrupt the alignment of the legs, leading to discomfort. Flat feet may also contribute to arthritis in the knees and cause symptoms such as pain around the heel or arch area, difficulty standing on the tip toe, swelling around the inside of the ankle, a flattened appearance of one or both feet and uneven shoe wear.
What Are The Types of Flat Feet?
There are different types of flat feet, but the most common one is flexible flat feet. In this type, the arches of your feet only appear when you lift them off the ground, and your soles touch the ground completely when you place them back down. This type usually starts in childhood and doesn’t usually cause any pain.
However, if you have a tight Achilles tendon, which connects your heel bone to your calf muscle, you might experience pain when walking or running. This condition causes the heel to lift too soon when walking or running. Another type of flat foot is posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, which occurs in adulthood when the tendon that connects your calf muscle to the inside of your ankle is injured, swollen, or torn. If your arch doesn’t get the support it needs, you might feel pain on the inside of your foot and ankle and on the outside of the ankle. Depending on the cause, you might experience this condition in one or both feet.
Does Having Flat Feet Cause Foot Pain?
While not all people with flat feet experience pain or discomfort, some may suffer from foot fatigue and arch pain and have a higher risk of developing conditions such as plantar fasciitis or tendonitis. It’s important to remember that flat feet may not be the only cause of foot pain, as other factors can also contribute to discomfort.
What Are Fallen Arches?
When the arches of the feet gradually collapse and become flattened, it’s called fallen arches or fallen arch syndrome. This condition can occur due to genetic predisposition, injury, or obesity. Excessive weight puts increased pressure on the feet, which can strain the ligaments and tendons that support the arches. Over time, this additional stress can contribute to the collapse of the arches, leading to flat feet or worsening existing flat foot conditions.
What is the Link Between Obesity and Flat Feet?
Carrying extra weight can negatively impact the feet and lower extremities, potentially leading to flattened arches and worsening pre-existing flat foot conditions. The additional weight can also weaken the supportive structures of the foot, such as ligaments and tendons, causing structural changes. Furthermore, fat can accumulate around the feet, further affecting their alignment and function.
What Should I Do If I Have Flat Feet?
- See a Podiatrist
If you have flat feet or suffer from foot pain, it is recommended that you seek the advice of a healthcare professional like a podiatrist or orthopedic specialist. They can assess your condition, identify underlying causes, and suggest suitable treatment options. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, they may recommend lifestyle changes, exercises, physical therapy, or orthotic devices to alleviate the pain and improve the functionality of your feet. - Maintain a Healthy Weight
For people with flat feet, it is important to maintain a healthy weight to avoid putting too much pressure on their arches, prevent arch collapse, and reduce pain and discomfort. Being overweight can worsen symptoms and increase the risk of complications. By exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet, individuals with flat feet can minimize stress on their feet, improve mobility, and promote overall foot health. In addition to benefiting the feet, managing weight can reduce the risk of obesity-related health issues. - Wear the Right Shoes
For people with flat feet, wearing shoes that give them the right support and stability is important. Without a natural arch, flat feet are more likely to roll inward while walking or running, which can cause strain on the ligaments and tendons. Investing in custom orthotics for flat feet can help correct alignment, distribute pressure evenly, and provide cushioning and shock absorption to minimize discomfort and prevent foot conditions like plantar fasciitis. Investing in appropriate footwear for flat feet is a proactive way to improve foot function, enhance comfort, and maintain long-term foot health.
Conclusion
While obesity and flat feet may seem unrelated, many studies have revealed a significant link. The excess weight associated with obesity can contribute to the collapse of arches and increase the risk of developing flat feet or exacerbating existing conditions. If you have flat feet or experience foot pain, seeking professional advice for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment is essential. Proper care, including orthotics and lifestyle modifications, can manage symptoms, improve foot function, and enhance overall well-being.
