Foot pain can develop for many reasons, and body weight is just one factor that may affect comfort during standing and walking. The feet support the body throughout the day, and additional weight can increase stress on joints, soft tissue, and arches over time. This may contribute to heel pain, arch strain, joint stiffness, or soreness in the ball of the foot. Extra pressure can also affect circulation and lead to swelling, which may change how shoes fit and feel. These changes are not a reflection of effort or lifestyle alone, as genetics, age, medical conditions, and activity level all play a role. Wearing supportive footwear, proper foot care, and attention to early symptoms can make a meaningful difference in comfort. Addressing foot pain early helps maintain mobility and quality of life. If foot discomfort becomes persistent or limits your daily activities, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Obesity has become very problematic at this point in time and can have extremely negative effects on the feet. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact one of out podiatrists from Alta Ridge Foot Specialist. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

Since your feet are what support your entire weight when standing, any additional weight can result in pain and swelling. Being overweight is one of the main contributors to foot complications.

Problems & Complications

Extra Weight – Even putting on just a few extra pounds could create serious complications for your feet. As your weight increases, your balance and body will shift, creating new stresses on your feet. This uneven weight distribution can cause pain, even while doing the simplest tasks, such as walking.

Diabetes – People who are overweight are at serious risk of developing type-2 diabetes, which has a drastic impact on the health of your feet. As you get older, your diabetes might worsen, which could lead to loss of feeling in your feet, sores, and bruises. You could also become more prone to various infections.

Plantar fasciitis – Pressure and stress that is placed on muscles, joints, and tendons can trigger plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of tissue that forms along the bottom of the foot. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Mars Hill, Spruce Pine, and Boone, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel and arch discomfort that can interfere with daily movement and comfort. Targeted exercises can help relieve pain by improving flexibility, strength, and support in the foot and lower leg. The gastrocnemius stretch is performed by standing with one leg behind the other and gently leaning forward to stretch the upper calf, which helps reduce strain on the heel. The soleus stretch is done in a similar position with the back knee slightly bent to target deeper calf muscles that affect walking mechanics. Additionally, a plantar fascia stretch can be performed by pulling the toes back toward the shin while seated to stretch the tissue along the bottom of the foot. Strengthening exercises such as the short foot exercise involve gently lifting the arch without curling the toes, while marble pick ups require grasping small objects with the toes to improve muscle control. If you have heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately plantar fasciitis, and guide you toward additional pain-relieving techniques.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of out podiatrists from Alta Ridge Foot Specialist. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Mars Hill, Spruce Pine, and Boone, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle fractures involve breaks in the bones that form the ankle joint. This includes the tibia and fibula, which are leg bones that meet at the talus, which supports the foot as it moves up and down. Some injuries also affect the back or inner edges of the tibia, known as the posterior and medial malleolus. These fractures typically occur when the ankle twists inward or outward, but they can also result from falling, missing a step, or landing awkwardly in worn-out shoes with inadequate support or while wearing flip-flops. Stable fractures keep the joint aligned, while unstable fractures cause the talus to shift, raising the risk of long-term pain and arthritis. A podiatrist can assess bone position, review imaging, and determine whether the ankle can heal with protection or if surgery is needed to regain alignment. If you believe you have fractured an ankle bone, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and treatment.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of out podiatrists from Alta Ridge Foot Specialist. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
• Swelling around the area
• Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Mars Hill, Spruce Pine, and Boone, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs when uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints, causing sudden and intense pain. Although often associated with men, women are also affected, particularly after menopause when changes in hormone levels can increase uric acid levels. Symptoms include swelling, redness, warmth, and sharp pain, most commonly in the big toe or other foot joints. Causes may include genetics, diet, obesity, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions. Left untreated, gout can lead to joint damage and decreased mobility. A podiatrist can evaluate symptoms, confirm a diagnosis, and provide treatment strategies including medication management, lifestyle guidance, and foot care to prevent flare-ups. If you have pain in the big toe, it  is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of out podiatrists from Alta Ridge Foot Specialist. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Mars Hill, Spruce Pine, and Boone, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.