Foot pain should not prevent obese from exercising
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Obese people should seek immediate treatment for chronic foot and ankle problems that limit physical activity, the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) urge.
“As our body weight increases, more load and stress are put on the feet,” foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Sean Wilson of Aspen Ortho & Rehab Specialists in West Allis, Wisconsin, and ACFAS spokesman, told Reuters Health.
“Ligaments can stretch out more than they should, joints can get out of alignment, which can cause arthritis and pain in the foot. Tendonitis can occur, among a myriad of other things. But this should not be a reason to avoid physical activity.”
Wilson suggests that before starting any type of exercise, obese adults should consult their family physician because they might have other medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or lung problems, which need treatment.
He also noted the importance of choosing the right shoe for each activity. “People who carry around more weight need shoes that are built sturdier, which are found at specialty type stores.”
Wilson recommends a work-out routine that increases the heart rate and strengthens muscles. “High-impact type of activities such as running, are not the best to start. Obese people need to do exercises that also help support their body, such as weight training under the guidance of a trainer, swimming, and walking on stationary-type machines. But they should always start slow to help build a good foundation.”
If any discomfort occurs with a particular type of exercise, they should stop until the discomfort resolves. “Trying to work through the pain is not a good idea.”
Statistics show that with age, the American population is getting heavier, Wilson added. “We need to exercise, but we need to start at the base level up. If you keep the feet happy, it will hopefully affect the rest of your body as well.”
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