Older women in Dubbo have been urged to maintain a healthy body weight, with research showing an increase in a woman’s Body Mass Index (BMI) can lead to foot health problems, especially in later life.
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Dubbo podiatrist Leanne Currans has welcomed the findings but said the concept is not “rocket science”.
Given that your feet bear the weight of your entire body as they carry you through your daily routine, it’s not surprising that being overweight can lead to foot problems, she said.
“It’s common sense really, everyone knows that if you put on weight your feet, ankles and knees will suffer,” Ms Currans said.
The study found an increase in BMI over a six-year period was significantly associated with the development of new foot problems and the persistence of existing foot problems in older women.
Research has found that having too much body weight may increase your chances of a variety of painful conditions in the feet, including tendon inflammation, inflammation in the plantar fascia - the tough band of tissue in the
sole of your foot- and osteoarthritis.
One of the authors, Professor Hylton Menz from La Trobe University, says the findings are significant.
“This study clearly shows that maintaining a healthy BMI is one of the best ways for women to avoid foot problems in later life,” Professor Menz said.
“It’s no secret that older women have foot problems.
“However, there are no studies which determine the incidence of foot problems, or the extent to which foot problems resolve or persist over time’, Professor Menz said.
“Larger women can develop foot problems but so can slim women,” Ms Currans said.
“In saying that it is important for women to eat right and exercise ... being overweight can lead to all sorts of foot problems like tired feet, heels spurs and bunions.”
The six-year study used data obtained as part of the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women’s Health, which was conceived and developed by researchers at the University of Newcastle and the University of Queensland.