Items filtered by date: January 2025

Obesity can impact the foot and ankle due to the added weight and increased pressure. The excess weight can lead to joint strain and increased wear on the bones, particularly in the feet and ankles. Over time, this added stress can contribute to the development of arthritis, causing pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Musculoskeletal problems, such as tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, are also more common in individuals who are obese due to the constant pressure on the foot structures. Walking up a flight of stairs or on an incline can further worsen this pressure, increasing ankle stress by four to six times compared to walking on level ground. This added strain can accelerate joint deterioration and lead to more severe foot and ankle conditions, making it vital for individuals with obesity to manage their weight and seek proper care for their feet. If you are overweight and have foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for treatment. 

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM from Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Breaking in new shoes properly is essential to prevent foot blisters and discomfort. When shoes are too stiff or tight, they can cause friction against the skin, leading to blisters. To avoid this, start by wearing the shoes for short periods around the house. This allows your feet to adjust gradually without putting too much pressure on them. You can also soften the shoes by using a leather conditioner or applying heat with a hairdryer to make the material more flexible. Wearing socks that cushion and reduce friction can help protect the skin as you break in the shoes. Additionally, using blister pads or moleskin on areas prone to rubbing provides extra protection. If you have developed one or more foot blisters, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat existing blisters, and guide you on additional ways to prevent them while wearing new shoes.

Blisters may appear as a single bubble or in a cluster. They can cause a lot of pain and may be filled with pus, blood, or watery serum. If your feet are hurting, contact Julie Jurd-Sadler, DPM of Progressive Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters are often the result of friction. This happens due to the constant rubbing from shoes, which can lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

Symptoms

(Blister symptoms may vary depending on what is causing them)

• Bubble of skin filled with fluid
• Redness
• Moderate to severe pain
• Itching

Prevention & Treatment

In order to prevent blisters, you should be sure to wear comfortable shoes with socks that cushion your feet and absorb sweat. Breaking a blister open may increase your chances of developing an infection. However, if your blister breaks, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and then apply a bandage to the affected area. If your blisters cause severe pain it is important that you call your podiatrist right away.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Ijamsville and Mouth Airy, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.