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Obesity & Heel Pain

According to the National Institutes of Health, obesity has become one of the largest health problems in the United States, with more than 130 million people being either overweight or obese. With excess weight, comes increased health concerns. One of the most common medical issues that obese individuals experience is related to their feet. Foot problems can manifest themselves in several ways, but one of the most painful is having issues with the heel.

  1. Types

    • There are several different types of heel pain that obese individuals can suffer from, according to EPodiatry. The most common form of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. This condition can be caused by increased strain put on the arch of the foot, which will result in increased pressure and pain on the heel. Another common pain in the heel region can be caused by a heel spur. A heel spur occurs when a small piece of bone is formed, due to calcium deposits. That bone causes pain while standing. Stress fractures also can lead to heel pain. Stress fractures occur in obese people who are frequently on their feet because tiny cracks form in their bones.

    Effects

    • The effects of heel pain can be quite considerable, especially in overweight individuals, FamilyDoctor.org warns. People experiencing heel pain encounter difficulty staying active and accomplishing day-to-day activities. Pain tends to be worse in the mornings when you first get out of bed and can be exacerbated by remaining on your feet throughout the day. Getting proper care for the heel pain is essential because the longer the problem lasts, the more damage that it can cause.

    Home Treatments

    • Heel pain can be treated at home. The most widely recommended treatment for heel pain is rest, according to the PodiatryChannel.com. That means keeping weight off of the area that is sore and trying not to make the situation worse. Icing the area is recommended, especially if the heel is swollen. This will reduce the pain. Inserting cushions and pads into shoes to reduce impact to the affected area can help make a heel problem less painful.

    Medical Treatments

    • If home remedies do not work in easing heel pain, then you must visit a medical professional. The doctor may be able to prescribe anti-inflammatory medications that can help reduce the swelling and the pain, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Injections of cortisone into the heel may be necessary, although it is a painful process and too many injections can result in damage to the heel. A last resort is heel surgery.

    Considerations

    • EPodiatry says heel pain for individuals, especially those who are overweight, needs to be treated properly. Ignoring the pain can result in damage to the foot. Obese people are advised to also begin to lose weight to reduce the severity of their heel pain. Home remedies can go a long way in improving symptoms, but be sure to take notice if the pain does not improve or gets worse. A medical professional can provide the best advice about what is the best course of treatment.

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