Denton County Living Well Magazine March/April 2020 | Page 9
FIX FEET FOR
WEIGHT LOSS SUCCESS
By Damien Dauphinée, MD
M
any of the estimated 70 million obese Ameri-
cans are trapped in a life-threatening vicious
cycle: Obesity aggravates foot problems, like
heel pain and flat feet; sore feet make it hard
to exercise and lose weight; and without ex-
ercise, obesity worsens and exacerbates progression of
diabetes, heart disease and other serious health threats. I
urge obese adults to seek immediate treatment for chronic,
activity-limiting foot and ankle problems to foster compli-
ance with physician-directed exercise
programs.
Once cleared by your physician to begin exercising, don’t
try to do too much too soon. Follow a gradual routine until
your body adjusts to the stress of regular physical activ-
ity. For example, I counsel overweight patients to avoid
working out on treadmills or elliptical machines to minimize
pounding and stress on their joints.
Shedding excess pounds helps diabetic patients control
their disease, but many who experience foot ulcerations
It is unfortunate that obese adults get
caught up in the vicious cycle of avoid-
ing physical activity due to foot or an-
kle pain, thereby permitting cardiovas-
cular disease and other life-threatening
conditions to worsen as a result. For
example, in many cases, chronic heel
pain occurs from carrying too much
weight. Left untreated, it becomes an
impediment to physical activity and
meaningful weight loss.
There’s no reason foot or ankle pain
should stop obese patients from exer-
cising. The first step toward breaking
that vicious cycle is an evaluation by a
foot and ankle surgeon.
According to the ACFAS consumer
Web site, FootHealthFacts.org, many
causes of foot pain can be relieved
without surgery through stretching exer-
cises, orthotics and athletic shoes with
good shock absorption and support. If a bunion, heel pain
or other condition requires surgery, patients can participate
during their recovery in non-weight-bearing activities, such
as riding a stationary bike, swimming or weight training.
For those moderately to severely overweight, a thorough
physical examination is mandatory before beginning an
exercise program.
and vascular problems caused by diabetes might think they
shouldn’t exercise.
Every diabetes patient needs regular foot exams to check
for possible sore spots and assess nerve sensation. With
proper diabetic foot care and the right footwear, most pa-
tients can follow an exercise regimen that is safe and ap-
propriate for them.
For more information about ankle fractures and sprains or other foot
and ankle problems, contact Dr. Damien Dauphinée’s office
at 940-300-3054, or go to www.completefootandanklecare.com.
DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | MARCH/APRIL 2020
7