Childhood Obesity – The Impact on Feet

The purpose for talking about childhood obesity is to bring awareness to this growing epidemic. In the U.S. alone, it is reported that one in five children are considered obese and that half of those children will most likely be obese as adults as well. This is a staggering statistic! The impact of obesity on general health is increasing and specific symptoms like foot pain are being seen more often.

Childhood Obesity - The Impact on Feet Unfortunately for children who are obese, there can be a revolving cycle that is hard to break. With extra weight, physical activity is essential but foot pain often prevents it, making it harder to keep the weight down. Early intervention and treatment can help stop the cycle, so acknowledging foot pain and its symptoms is key.

Drs. Joel Brook, Arroyo, and McClurkin, foot and ankle specialists at Dallas Podiatry Works, see and treat the consequences of childhood obesity. Complications include:

Rigid flat feet
Arch pain
Tight Achilles tendon
Pronated feet
Strain on the plantar fascia
Heel pain

Childhood obesity has also been linked to lower bone mass and strength, which increases the risk of fractures. The heel bone isn’t fully developed until age fourteen. As your child grows, stress and muscle strain from extra weight can cause inflammation of the heel’s growth plate. Called Sever’s disease, walking can become painful and also cause a child to be susceptible to stress fractures in the heel bone. Foot pain can also arise if an overweight child has inherited any conditions such as hammertoes and bunions. With all of these foot problems, children may also have a hard time finding comfortable footwear.

At our Dallas and Plano, TX offices, there are several treatment options for foot pain due to childhood obesity. Stretching exercises, physical therapy and custom orthotics are just a few ways we can help. If you need to schedule an appointment for your child, call us 972.853.7100 in Dallas or (972) 943-3323 in Plano.

The doctor has great “bedside manners” when talking to patients. Great staff and comfortable atmosphere.

Derrick W.

The staff at Dallas Podiatry Works could not have been more courteous, helpful, and professional in doing their job. They made me feel comfortable when I was there, which is certainly appreciated. They answered all the questions that I had and just made each visit the most pleasurable that it could be. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing this type of foot care.

Joseph B.

I would highly recommend Dr. Brook to anyone with foot problems–especially problems that stump other podiatrists. He really is very caring and very knowledgeable.

Jeannette H.

Dr. Joel Brook and the staff were nice and helpful. Though I was a new patient, I got right in as soon as they were open in my preferred location. They diagnosed the problem and provided medicines along with a perfect gel bandage so I could keep exercising while my toes healed. My toes already hurt less and look a little better each day. If I have future issues, I will be a repeat customer. Here’s hoping I don’t, but at least I know my feet are in good hands.

Meryl E.

I visited this office for an ingrown toe nail a few years ago. After seeing another doctor, who made it worse, he referred me to Dallas Podiatry Works. The doctor there was able to fix my problem. I’m not great with reviews, all I can tell you is that this doctor and staff will have you up and running or doing whatever it is you do in no time. You will be in great hands. You’d be a fool not to use this doctor. Now its time to visit him again for the other toe.

Google User

Been having bad ankle pains for 6 months was referred here and it was a great visit ladies in the front desk medical assistants and the Doctor were all very friendly and make you feel very comfortable.