Childhood Obesity Poses Problems for Foot Health
By now, most patients know that obesity is epidemic in America and that excess weight creates health risks for adults. But have you stopped to consider what the American obesity epidemic is doing to our children? How many American children are living with a serious weight problem, and how is it affecting their health? The answers to those questions might surprise you.
According to the United States Centers for Disease Control, nearly one-third of American children under 18 have a Body Mass Index (BMI) that classifies them as obese, putting them at risk for chronic health issues including diabetes, heart disease, and bone and joint disorders. There is a correlation between obesity and isolation (although no causational relationship has been defined) and obese children also suffer from increased rates of depression and anxiety.
Numerous recent studies in the United States and Europe have explored the long-term effects on the feet of overweight and obese children. They all reach the same conclusion: such children are at heightened risk of podiatric issues.
When compared, the feet of obese children are flatter, longer and wider than those of same-age non-obese peers.
The bones, tendons and ligaments of the feet, ankles, and lower legs are stressed by excess pounds, creating tissue damage and pain.
Obese children experience issues related to the development of their bones and muscles more frequently than children of lower weights do.
Excess weight stresses growing bones. Overweight children are at higher risk for fractures.
Typically-sized children experience less neck, back, hip, knee, ankle, and foot pain than obese children.
Excess weight puts children at risk of Blount's Disease. This is caused by stress on the growth plate, resulting in bowing of the legs and improper development of the ankles.
BONE FRACTURES
The bones are further likely to be weakened because of inactivity that causes, and is caused by, obesity. Counter-intuitively, sedentary, overweight children are more likely to experience a fracture than their more active peers.
Because childhood obesity can have many lifelong negative outcomes, the best solution is an immediate one: help your child shed extra pounds. Talk to your pediatrician and also consider working with a registered dietitian.
Contact James C. Ricketti, DPM and let us address all your foot and ankle needs. Our board-certified podiatrist will tailor treatments based on your individual needs and with our state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment options, we’ll help you get back on your feet in no time! Call our office today at 609-587-1674 to make an appointment at our conveniently located Hamilton, NJ office.