Obesity is strongly associated with foot problems and specific foot conditions. Being obese increases the risk of foot pain and chronic problems in your feet and ankles due to the extra weight that results not only in placing physical stress on the bones, but also changing the biomechanics over time.

Plantar Fasciitis

According to the Mayo Clinic, the plantar fascia acts like a shock-absorbing bowstring, supporting the arch in your foot. 

Although there are a variety of causes that lead to Plantar Fasciitis, being overweight is definitely one of the main factors associated with this condition. The extra weight and excessive pressure overstretches the plantar fascia causing inflammation, swelling and pain. If untreated, the problem can worsen affecting the biomechanics of the foot. Visit a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine before you start suffering from this condition.  

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Heel Pain

Heel pain is another common complaint within the obese population. One of the main causes for heel pain is Plantar Fasciitis. As mentioned before, the extra pressure on the plantar fascia causes inflammation and swelling, so in order to relieve the extra pressure, excessive weight is distributed to the heels. 

Having extra pounds also compresses the natural fatty padding on the soles of your feet, contributing to heel pain and possible fissures or fractures. 

Swelling (Edema)

• The retention of excess fluid in the ankles, calves and feet is known as edema. When the circulation through the body is normal, the veins carry those fluids away from the lower parts of the body; but with obesity comes circulatory problems as a leading cause of swollen feet. 
  

Being overweight results in people to spending less time exercising and more time sitting or standing in the same position for longer periods of time, causing swelling due to the extra fluid that settles in the feet, ankles and legs.

Puncture Ulcers

Extra weight and pressure on your feet can damage nerves. When you can no longer feel discomfort in your feet, ulcers can show up much easier. Foot ulcers can be caused by tight-fitting shoes, infected wounds, poor circulation and fat pad atrophy.

People with obesity take longer to heal ulcers due to a series of factors:

• Skin conditions: The extra weight on the feet also stretches the skin, damaging the sweat glands, causing dryness and dermatitis and of course, increasing infections.
  
• Circulatory problems: In order to heal any kind of wound or ulcer, normal flow of blood and fluids  is extremely important. With Obesity, the circulation process is slowed.
  
• Nutrition: It is usually found that obesity is the result of poor nutrition. For a normal and successful healing process, it is necessary to maintain a balanced diet, high in vitamins and minerals and low in fats.