The feet support the body’s full weight with every step, so excess weight can place greater pressure on bones, joints, and soft tissues. This added strain can change how the feet spread and move when walking. It can also affect balance and make activity uncomfortable. Heel pain, arch pain, and ankle pain can develop when the feet must manage greater force. Extra pressure can also contribute to corns, calluses, and bunions. Joint stiffness or swelling may make standing and movement more difficult. When discomfort limits activity, managing weight can become more challenging, creating a cycle of pain and reduced movement.

Obesity is linked to several foot conditions. Plantar fasciitis causes pain where a strong band of tissue supports the arch and connects to the heel. Added pressure can irritate this tissue and make the first steps after rest especially painful. Excess weight can also increase stress on the ankles and raise the risk of osteoarthritis, which develops as joint cartilage breaks down. Gout, a painful form of arthritis that frequently affects the big-toe joint, is also associated with obesity. People who are obese also have a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. This condition can damage nerves and reduce blood flow, allowing wounds to develop or worsen without clear warning signs.

A podiatrist can examine the feet and identify areas receiving too much pressure. Treatment includes custom orthotics to improve weight distribution and provide support. A podiatrist can recommend well-fitted shoes and provide care for corns or calluses. Treatment for heel pain can reduce strain and improve movement. Patients with diabetes can receive foot examinations to detect skin damage, reduced feeling, or circulation concerns early. Addressing foot pain can help patients stay active. If you have foot or ankle pain related to being overweight, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Mark Co, DPM from California. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in San Francisco, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

An ingrown toenail happens when the edge or corner of a toenail grows into the nearby skin instead of growing forward normally. The big toe is affected most often, although any toenail can become ingrown. At first, the problem may seem minor, especially if discomfort only occurs while wearing shoes. Without proper care, however, an ingrown toenail can become increasingly painful and may lead to an infection. Understanding the early warning signs can help you seek treatment before the problem becomes more difficult to manage.

One of the most common symptoms is pain or tenderness along the side of the affected toe. Pressure from wearing shoes or walking may make the discomfort worse. The skin surrounding the nail can become red, swollen, and sensitive to touch. Some people notice clear fluid, while others may see pus when an infection is present. The toe may also feel warm. These changes are important signs that the nail and surrounding skin need attention.

Several factors can increase the risk of an ingrown toenail. Cutting toenails too short or rounding the corners can encourage the nail to grow into the skin. Wearing tight shoes can also place repeated pressure against the toes. Toe injuries, naturally curved nails, and repeated pressure from activities can contribute as well. People who have difficulty caring for their feet should be especially careful because a small nail problem can sometimes progress quickly. Keeping toenails trimmed straight across and wearing properly fitted shoes can help reduce risk.

A podiatrist will examine the affected toe and look for inflammation, infection, or other problems affecting the nail. When needed, the podiatrist may gently lift or separate the nail edge from the skin. More painful or recurring cases may require partial nail removal to prevent the problem from returning. If you have developed an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist for effective relief tips, which may include minor surgery. 

Ingrown toenails may initially present themselves as a minor discomfort, but they may progress into an infection in the skin without proper treatment. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Mark Co, DPM of California. Our practitioner can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are caused when the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. They often result in redness, swelling, pain, and in some cases, infection. This condition typically affects the big toe and may recur if it is not treated properly.

Causes

• Improper toenail trimming
• Genetics
• Improper shoe fitting
• Injury from pedicures or nail picking
• Abnormal gait
• Poor hygiene

You are more likely to develop an ingrown toenail if you are obese, have diabetes, arthritis, or have any fungal infection in your nails. Additionally, people who have foot or toe deformities are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown toenail.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of ingrown toenails are redness, swelling, and pain. In rare cases, there may be a yellowish drainage coming from the nail.

Treatment

Ignoring an ingrown toenail can have serious complications. Infections of the nail border can progress to a deeper soft-tissue infection, which can then turn into a bone infection. You should always speak with your podiatrist if you suspect you have an ingrown toenail, especially if you have diabetes or poor circulation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in San Francisco, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot stretches can help runners prepare their feet and ankles for activity. They may improve flexibility, mobility, and awareness when performed regularly. Options include toe stretches, ankle mobility exercises, and toe scrunches. These movements can be useful before or after running, depending on comfort and training needs. They may help reduce stiffness and support efficient movement, but they cannot prevent every running injury.

A toe stretch gently lengthens the tissues around the toes. Sit and use your hand to move the toes backward until you feel a mild stretch. Hold briefly without forcing the movement. This exercise may improve toe flexibility and help runners maintain comfortable foot motion. An ankle mobility exercise can involve slowly moving the ankle through controlled circles. Move in both directions with careful control while keeping the lower leg relaxed. This can support ankle mobility and reduce stiffness.

Toe scrunches strengthen the small muscles that help support the foot. Sit with your foot flat and use your toes to gently gather a towel toward you. Relax and repeat several times. This exercise may improve foot strength and control, which can help runners manage impact. Risk factors for running injuries include sudden mileage increases, and training on challenging surfaces. Poor flexibility or limited ankle mobility may also affect movement.

A podiatrist can evaluate your feet and ankles when pain, swelling, or injuries develop. The examination may include checking strength, flexibility, and tender areas. Imaging tests may be recommended when a stress fracture or other injury is suspected. Treatment also can include activity changes, wearing supportive footwear, or custom orthotics. Stretching should never cause sharp pain. If you have developed foot and ankle injuries from running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions, which may include additional foot and ankle stretches. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Mark Co, DPM of California. Our practitioner will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? 
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in San Francisco, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sever’s disease is a painful heel condition that affects growing children and teenagers. It develops when repeated stress irritates the growth plate at the back of the heel. A growth plate is an area of developing tissue near the end of a bone. During a growth spurt, the heel bone can grow faster than nearby muscles and tendons. This can create tension where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel. Children who participate in running or jumping activities can place repeated pressure on this area, making irritation and pain more likely.

Heel pain is the main symptom of Sever’s disease. The pain can affect one heel or both heels and can become worse with physical activity. The heel can also feel tender when squeezed. Some children develop swelling or redness around the painful area. They can begin limping or walking on their toes to avoid pressure on the heel. Sports that involve frequent running and jumping can increase the risk. Tight calf muscles and a tight Achilles tendon can also place more stress on the heel. Sever’s disease does not cause permanent damage to the growth plate.

A podiatrist can evaluate heel pain and determine whether Sever’s disease is responsible for the symptoms. The examination can include checking the heel for tenderness and assessing how the foot and ankle move. A podiatrist can also evaluate walking patterns and foot structure to identify factors that place extra stress on the heel. Treatment focuses on reducing irritation and protecting the growth plate while it heals. A podiatrist can recommend activity changes, supportive devices, or appropriate stretches based on the child’s condition. Care can help relieve pain and support a safe return to normal activities. If your active child has heel pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and offer effective relief tips for Sever's disease. 

Sever's disease often occurs in children and teens. If your child is experiencing foot or ankle pain, see Mark Co, DPM from California. Our practitioner can treat your child’s foot and ankle needs.

Sever’s Disease

Sever’s disease is also known as calcaneal apophysitis, which is a medical condition that causes heel pain I none or both feet. The disease is known to affect children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Sever’s disease occurs when part of the child’s heel known as the growth plate (calcaneal epiphysis) is attached to the Achilles tendon. This area can suffer injury when the muscles and tendons of the growing foot do not keep pace with bone growth. Therefore, the constant pain which one experiences at the back of the heel will make the child unable to put any weight on the heel. The child is then forced to walk on their toes.

Symptoms

Acute pain – Pain associated with Sever’s disease is usually felt in the heel when the child engages in physical activity such as walking, jumping and or running.

Highly active – Children who are very active are among the most susceptible in experiencing Sever’s disease, because of the stress and tension placed on their feet.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in San Francisco, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.