Obesity may lead to foot and ankle problems, according to a report on a survey of more than 6,000 individuals presented at the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Annual Summer Meeting .

Individuals who took part in the survey and reported current foot and ankle pain, who had prior foot surgery or who had previously seen a physician about foot and ankle pain, all seemed to have a higher BMI than those who did not report pain. Furthermore, 40.8 percent of the respondents reported weight gain prior to the onset of pain.

“It is important for the public to know that obesity isn't just an aesthetic issue, but a contributing cause of musculoskeletal health problems, specifically with the feet and ankles,” said Dr. Stuart D. Miller of Baltimore, a member of the AOFAS Public Education Committee.

While problems vary from patient to patient, foot and ankle pain often occurs in weight bearing areas, as well as in the tendons and ligaments. Common foot problems include posterior tibial tendonitis, pain in the tendon that runs along the inside of the ankle and the foot; plantar fasciitis, an inflammation in the thick ligamentous connective tissue that runs from the heel to the ball of the foot; and hindfoot arthritis, an inflammation in the back part of the foot.

“In general, people carry approximately four to six times their body weight across the ankle joint when climbing up stairs or walking steep inclines. Obesity may significantly increase the impact,” explained Dr. Miller. Increased BMI has also been found to increase foot pressures with standing and walking, and is no doubt a precursor to foot and ankle pain.