Are you light on your feet? (Foot Health Week 12-18 October)

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics as many as 72 per cent of middle-aged men and 58 per cent of middle-aged woman are overweight or obese. Holding up all that excess weight are your feet!
Don’t take your feet for granted! Being overweight can impact heavily on foot and lower limb functions during walking, running and other physical activities.  Our feet absorb up to twice our body weight during normal walking and up to four times body weight when we are jogging.
Podiatry and Footcare Service Manager at Hunter New England Health, Nicole Martin said excess weight puts pressure on the joints in the foot and can lead to problems in the way the foot aligns and functions.

“Links between obesity in children and foot damage is especially disconcerting due to the immature and delicate nature of children’s feet, leaving many youngsters at risk of developing abnormalities. Obese children have wider, longer feet and tend to have problems balancing and walk at a slower pace,” Ms Martin said.  

“Furthermore, foot problems stop children from participating in sports and physical activity,” she said. 

If you are overweight you are more likely to develop diabetes. Diabetes can damage vital blood vessels and nerves in the foot, reduce blood flow to the feet, which increases risk of developing foot ulcers and infections. In some cases, an ulcerated foot sometimes gets so infected it needs to be amputated.

However, with early care and advice from a podiatrist, most diabetes sufferers can lead a healthy foot life.
Some of the ways you can reducing the impact of obesity on your feet are:
• Reduce sugar intake and increase the consumption of fibre and vitamins to help reduce weight.
• Increase the amount of physical exercise.
• Consult your podiatrist if you have to rest because of leg pain when you walk.
• Consult your podiatrist if you experience any aches or pains in the ball, arch or heel of your foot.
• Wear well-fitting shoes.
• People with diabetes should visit their local doctor for an annual foot screening.
• Don’t smoke.
• Have corns, calluses and other foot problems treated by your podiatrist as soon as they emerge.   (HNE - 1577)

Contact: Kylie Dawson

Phone: (02) 6767 7136 or 0408 667 299