Do you find that your ankles hurt when you walk around, even if it’s just a short distance? If so, you’re not alone. Many overweight and obese people experience ankle pain because of the extra stress their weight puts on their feet.
In this blog post, we’ll explore How ankles hurt when walking overweight, and we’ll also share some tips for reducing or preventing ankle pain. By taking some steps to lose weight, you can ease the pressure on your ankles and make walking more comfortable. Keep reading to learn more!
How Overweight is Responsible for Ankle Pain?
When you are carrying extra weight, it puts a strain on your ankles. This is because the joints in your ankles must work harder to support the extra weight. This can lead to pain and inflammation in your joints.
In addition, being overweight can also make it more difficult to walk and put pressure on your feet. This can lead to pain in the arch of your foot, heels, and toes. If you are overweight, you may also be more likely to develop bunions or hammertoes. This condition puts even more pressure on your feet and can cause pain when walking.
You must take steps to lose weight if you are carrying extra weight. This will help to reduce the strain on your ankles and feet and ease the pain. It would be best if you talked to your doctor about a weight loss plan that is right for you. In addition, you can also take steps to avoid putting pressure on your feet.
For example, you should wear shoes that fit well and provide support. You should also avoid walking long distances or standing for long periods. If you must stand for a long time, you should take breaks and put your feet up. You can also try to lose weight gradually so your body can adjust to the new weight.
8 Common Reasons That Cause Ankle Pain
1. Obesity:
Obesity is one of the main reasons behind ankle pain. The extra weight puts a lot of pressure on the ankles, which can cause them to become swollen and painful. If your BMI is above 30, you are considered obese, and you should try to lose weight to reduce the risk of ankle pain. Make sure to talk to your doctor about the best way to lose weight safely.
2. Arthritis:
Arthritis is a common ankle pain, especially happens to older adults. The condition causes the joints to inflame, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. There are many different kinds of arthritis, but osteoarthritis is the most common form affecting the ankles. If you have arthritis, you may need to take medication or undergo physical therapy to reduce your symptoms.
3. Gout:
Gout is another type of arthritis that causes ankle pain. It occurs when uric acid builds up in the body and forms crystals in the joints. These crystals can cause severe pain, inflammation, and swelling. If you have gout, you must take medication to reduce the pain and swelling. You should also avoid foods high in purines, such as red meat and seafood.
4. Achilles tendonitis:
Achilles tendonitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the Achilles tendon. It is located behind the ankle and helps you move your foot. This syndrome can be caused by overuse or injury. The condition can be very painful, and it may require physical therapy or surgery to treat.
5. Sprains and Strains:
Sprains and strains are common causes of ankle pain. A sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle. A strain happens when the muscles or tendons are overstretched or torn. Both injuries can be very painful and may require rest, ice, and physical therapy to heal properly. If your ankle pain is severe, you should see a doctor to ensure you don’t have a more serious injury.
6. Fracture:
A fracture is a break in the bone. This can happen after a fall or an injury. A fracture can be very painful and may require surgery to heal properly. If you think you have fractured your ankle, you should see a doctor immediately. Make sure that the doctor orders an X-ray to confirm the diagnosis.
7. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome:
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is something that causes nerve pain in the foot. The tarsal tunnel is a small ankle-space space through which nerves and blood vessels pass. When this space becomes narrowed, it can pressure the nerves, causing pain.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is often caused by obesity and can be treated with weight loss and physical therapy. However, if your tarsal tunnel syndrome is severe, you may need surgery to relieve the pressure on your nerves.
8. Heel Spurs:
Heel spurs are bony growths that form on the heel bone. They can be painful when walking, especially when pressure is put on them. Heel spurs are often caused by wearing shoes that don’t fit properly or by being overweight. Treatment for heel spurs includes wearing comfortable shoes, losing weight, and taking pain relievers. Surgery is rarely needed.
A Few Helpful Tips To Keep Your Ankles Safe
Ankle injuries are a common occurrence, particularly in people who are overweight. Walking and other activities that stress the ankles can lead to pain and swelling. There are several things you can do to protect your ankles from injury:
1. Wear Supportive Shoes. Shoes that provide good support for your ankles can help prevent injuries.
2. Avoid High Heels. High heels can put extra stress on your ankles and increase your risk of injury.
3. Warm Up Before You Walk. Warming up before you walk helps loosen the muscles and tendons around your ankles, reducing your risk of injury.
4. Stay Within Your Fitness Level. Don’t try to do too much too soon. If you’re just starting to exercise, start slowly and gradually increasing the intensity of your workouts.
5. Listen to Your Body. Pay attention to any pain or discomfort you feel in your ankles. If you experience any pain, stop walking and rest.
Following these tips can help prevent ankle injuries and keep your ankles healthy.
Does Losing Weight Help Ankle Pain?
If you’re carrying around extra weight, it can put a strain on your ankles and other joints. This can cause pain when walking, going up or down stairs, or even just standing.
Losing weight can help to reduce stress on your ankles and other joints, which may help relieve pain. If you’re unsure how to start losing weight, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian. They can help you create a healthy eating plan and an exercise routine right for you.
If you want to lose weight on your own, there are a few things you can do to get started. First, reduce calories by eating smaller portions and choosing healthy foods. You can also boost your calorie burn by exercising regularly.
And finally, be patient! It takes time to lose weight, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Losing just a few pounds can significantly affect your ankle pain. So keep at it, and you’ll start to see results!
What Do You Do if Your Ankle Hurts When You Walk?
If you’re carrying around extra weight, it can strain your ankles and cause pain when you walk. Here are some tips to help relieve the pain and keep your ankles healthy:
1. Lose Weight if You’re Overweight. This will take pressure off of your ankles and help reduce pain when walking.
2. Wear Supportive Shoes. Shoes with good arch support and cushioning can help reduce stress on your ankles and prevent pain when walking.
3. Stretch Your Calves and Achilles Tendon. This will help keep the muscles around your ankles loose and prevent pain when walking.
4. Ice Your Ankles After Walking. This will help reduce inflammation and pain in your ankles.
5.Take Over-the-counter Pain Medication if Needed. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation in your ankles.
If you’re carrying around extra weight, it can strain your ankles and cause pain when you walk.
Final Thoughts
If you are overweight, many things can be done to ease the pain in your ankles. Exercising and losing weight will help immensely, as well as stretching your calves before walking. Investing in good shoes is also important as they provide cushioning and support for your feet. Finally, rest when your ankles are bothering you, and try not to walk too much on hard surfaces.
The best way to avoid this is to get to a healthy weight by exercising and eating right. But if your ankles hurt when walking overweight, don’t despair—there are treatments available that can help alleviate the discomfort and get you back on your feet again. By following these simple tips, you should be able to decrease the pain in your ankles caused by being overweight.
