Thursday, June 7, 2012

High BMI Linked To Heel Pain

A new study has linked Body Mass Index (BMI) to non-specific foot pain. The study, published in Obesity Review, reviewed and analyzed 25 scholarly papers on BMI and the effect of weight loss on alleviating foot pain. The results showed a strong relationship between BMI and general foot pain, as well as chronic heel pain among non-athletes. There was minor evidence relating weight loss surgery to a reduction in foot pain. Since obesity is increasing across the world, foot pain is likely increase as well.
Author Paul A. Butterworth of La Trobe University in Bundoora, Australia says "Increased BMI is strongly associated with chronic plantar heel pain and non-specific foot pain. Considering that the prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide, the incidence of musculoskeletal foot disorders is likely to increase. Therefore, the potential role of weight loss in addition to existing treatments for foot disorders warrants further investigation."
While losing weight is a recommendation that is easier said than done, addressing the heel pain issue is key. Even if you lose the weight, you will still have a bone spur or an aggravated plantar fascia. Harping on an already sensitive issue will not help the patient recover fully from heel pain.
If you are experiencing heel pain and do not currently see a doctor, call our Rocky Hill or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Jeffrey S. Kahn, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Rocky Hill and Middletown, CT
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2 comments:

  1. Very interesting to see the relationship between BMI and heel injury. Ironic that such an injury is likely to reduce the opportunity to exercise, yet that is what is needed.

    While the root cause of the problem of plantar fasciitis in this sense is obesity. There are a number of things people can do to tackle their foot injuries. Seeing a podiatrist such as yourself would be a good port of call.

    However, there are some things the patient can do themselves, such as plantar fascia stretches. Gastrocnemius muscle stretches or Soleus muscle stretches may also be of some assistance and can speed up the recovery process. A key component of recovery is reducing the inflammation, so the patient may also want to take some ibuprofen.

    I also noticed that you have a number of clinics. I work for sportsinjuryclinic.net - we have a directory for sports injury specialists and those in associated fields, you can add yourself for free here http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/clinics/advertiseclinic

    Just drop me an email and I can switch on the listing for you and we can begin channeling clients your way. clinics@sportsinjuryclinic.net

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  2. BMI for sure leads you to heel pain because your heel can bear a certain amount of load, if the load will exceed then it will surely leads you to different foot problems or other health issues.

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