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Excessive Weight Bearing Compromises Foot Structure and Function Across the Lifespan

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The Mechanobiology of Obesity and Related Diseases

Part of the book series: Studies in Mechanobiology, Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials ((SMTEB,volume 16))

Abstract

The base of support for the musculoskeletal system during most physical activities is the feet. Feet are highly unique and flexible structures, which are required to perform extremely diverse functions, particularly during weight-bearing tasks. Although feet that are structurally sound can usually perform tasks of daily living with ease, deviations from normal foot structure or alignment can compromise foot function and, in turn, cause discomfort or pain. Extensive research has confirmed that obesity negatively affects foot structure and function. Obese individuals have been found to have broader, thicker and flatter feet; generate significantly higher dynamic plantar pressures; and alter their foot mechanics during walking relative to their non-overweight counterparts. The need for overweight and obese individuals to bear excess body mass has also been associated with the development of musculoskeletal pain and discomfort in the feet, which can be severe enough to limit these individuals from participating in activities of daily living, work and recreation. As this can perpetuate the cycle of obesity, the compromised foot structure of obese individuals is deemed a major health issue. In this chapter, we review the effects of bearing excessive body mass on foot structure and function across a lifespan and, where possible, highlight the impact of this excessive weight bearing on the ability of individuals to perform activities of daily living. Based on the studies reviewed we recommend that evidence-based interventions be designed to reduce excess fat mass in overweight and obese individuals, focussing on non-weight bearing activities to relieve loading of their foot structures and, in turn, improve the quality of life of these individuals.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank Sheridan Gho for the artwork in Figs. 2 and 3.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biomechanics Research Laboratory, Faculty of Science, Medicine & Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia

    Julie R. Steele, Diane L. Riddiford-Harland & Karen J. Mickle

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  3. Karen J. Mickle
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Correspondence to Julie R. Steele .

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  1. Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tel Aviv University Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv, Israel

    Amit Gefen

  2. Dept. of Cell and Developmental Biology Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel

    Dafna Benayahu

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Steele, J.R., Riddiford-Harland, D.L., Mickle, K.J. (2014). Excessive Weight Bearing Compromises Foot Structure and Function Across the Lifespan. In: Gefen, A., Benayahu, D. (eds) The Mechanobiology of Obesity and Related Diseases. Studies in Mechanobiology, Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials, vol 16. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/8415_2014_175

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/8415_2014_175

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