Healthy Weight, Healthy Feet
Your feet have a tough job – carrying your entire body all day, every day. When you’re seriously overweight or obese, you create a situation in which your feet have to work harder than they were meant to do, and problems can result.
People who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of diabetes than other people do. Diabetes is a whole-body illness in which the pancreas, the gland responsible for producing the hormone insulin, fails in part or in full. Insulin is necessary to regulate levels of blood sugar and, without enough of it, those glucose levels rise and fall precipitously. Overall health is jeopardized and foot health can suffer particular consequences. Circulation can become diminished. This can cause diminished circulation, leading to peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Poor circulation can also lead to diabetic foot ulcers, small wounds that don’t heal. Infection, hospitalization, amputation, and even death can result.
Other common weight-related foot issues include gout, heel pain, flat feet, and deformities such as bunions and hammertoes.
Happily, with a few diet and lifestyle changes, you can reduce your risk of many weight-related foot health issues. Opt for a diet that is low in processed foods. Instead, choose fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources. Low-fat dairy foods are high in calcium, which can improve bone density and lower your risk of osteoporosis. Avoid sugary beverages; opt for plain water instead. Exercise daily. Make it fun! Join a gentle yoga class, take Rover for a walk, or take a hike with a friend and use the time to catch up. Smoking exacerbates many weight-related health issues.
Consider quitting or cutting back today
Are you worried about the impact that your weight is having on your feet, ankles, or lower legs, or do you have another concern about the health and wellness of this part of your body? Schedule a visit with a board-certified podiatrist like James M. McKee, DPM, FACFAS today. With years of specialized training and experience, your foot doctor is a medical expert, and the best-qualified professional to care for this part of your body. Call the friendly Podiatry Group of Annapolis, P.A. staff at 410-224-4448 or click here today for a convenient appointment in our modern, comfortable office on Solomons Island Road.