The process of gaining weight can be very stealthy. It can creep up on you slowly while you are unaware and it is not until your feet start hurting at the end of the day when you realize that they carry the weight of your whole body. Foot swelling and pain are two of the biggest side effects of having a few extra pounds.

Many foot-related problems can occur even just a small amount of extra weight. This includes the body ‘compensating’ by changing the way it moves. You may find yourself putting extra weight on the wrong parts of your feet and even leaning forward a bit. Your feet were designed to carry a healthy, normal body weight as extra weight places undue stress on them.

Being overweight often causes the development of Type-2 diabetes, often causing leg and foot pain. Older people who do not attempt to control their condition can even lose sensation and feeling in their legs and feet, possibly even developing small sores that can lead to serious infection.

Extra stress placed on the joints, tendons and muscles in the feet as a result of extra body weight may also cause heel spurs, or plantar fasciitis; which is an inflammation of the bottom foot’s tissue, causing stiffness and pain when walking and climbing stairs. This can usually be relieved by foot stretches and custom made orthotic shoe-inserts.

Problems in the feet triggered by obesity can be treated by paying special attention to footwear. Proper support shoes that allow for good circulation, especially in the arch and ankle are vital. A podiatrist can help you find what sort of shoe is most suitable for your feet and measure you for special orthotics if necessary.

It could also be high time to start losing weight in order to treat and prevent diabetes as well as other life threatening diseases. Some methods include yoga and water aerobics, which benefit your entire body without placing stress on your feet. Don’t risk losing your feet by losing interest in them. Take care of your feet and your body, as they deserve the very best.