Many people with obesity or overweight give up on exercise as the way to lose weight because related of discomfort and pain in their feet and ankles. The truth is your feet and ankles might be in pain because of those extra pounds.  

So, how do we exercise without causing feet and ankle injuries?

The answer varies depending on the person and their specific feet and ankle conditions. The first step is to seek evaluation and treatment from a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine who can assess your feet problems and help you to go on with your resolution to lose those extra pounds.

Experts recommend to start with low impact exercises, such as swimming, yoga or aerobics and gradually change the routine according to your necessities and conditions.

Right Foot Wear

Obesity can cause foot conditions like flat feet, bunions, plantar fasciitis, heel pain or injuries such as stress fractures. To correct, treat or prevent those conditions, it is necessary to be fitted with the correct foot wear. A Podiatrist might recommend the use of orthotics, specific shoes or socks.

As you lose those extra pounds, your foot structure might change. It will be necessary to adjust your foot wear to make sure your feet don’t suffer.

Diet

A healthy diet is important to maintaining a healthy body; this includes internal organs, skin, hair, eyes and, of course, our feet. What we consume has a direct relation to our weight. Foods with high levels of preservatives, saturated fats and added sugars can decrease your ability to lose weight.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, there are certain foods which ingredients or components can cause inflammation; there are others that can cause allergies and some that can trigger different health conditions. In any case, they can affect your feet causing pain or worsening your foot conditions.