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Lyrica: The Weight Gain Story You Need to Hear

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Lyrica, known generically as pregabalin, is an anticonvulsant medication commonly prescribed for conditions such as neuropathy, nerve pain, and restless legs syndrome (RLS). While it has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for these uses, many patients have reported significant side effects, with weight gain being among the most concerning.

Applications of Lyrica

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS):

RLS is a neurological disorder characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations. Traditionally, treatments have included dopaminergic medications like ropinirole and Mirapex, which function by increasing dopamine levels in the brain to alleviate symptoms. However, these drugs have become less favored due to severe withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation. Consequently, Lyrica has gained popularity as an alternative treatment for RLS.

Neuropathy:

Neuropathy, whether diabetic or non-diabetic, involves nerve damage that leads to pain, tingling, or numbness, particularly in the extremities. Medical professionals often prescribe Lyrica as a primary medication to mitigate these symptoms. This is especially prevalent among older adults who develop type 2 diabetes and subsequently experience neuropathic pain.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

While Lyrica can be effective in managing nerve-related symptoms, it is associated with several side effects. Commonly reported issues include drowsiness and a feeling of spaciness, particularly at higher dosages. However, the most prominent concern among patients is weight gain. On average, individuals taking Lyrica may gain between 10 to 15 pounds, but there have been cases where patients have reported gains of 40 to 60 pounds.

This substantial increase in weight can lead to a cascade of other health problems, including elevated blood pressure and an increased risk of heart failure. Additionally, some patients experience fluid retention, resulting in significant peripheral edema in the feet and legs. The added weight also places extra stress on the joints in the lower extremities, potentially causing wear and tear that leads to osteoarthritis. In severe cases, this may necessitate surgical interventions. For those with pre-existing conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity, Lyrica-induced weight gain can increase the risk of serious health complications.

Patient Experiences with Lyrica

Many patients have shared their experiences with Lyrica, particularly concerning weight gain. It’s common to hear accounts of individuals gaining 30, 40, or even 50 pounds after starting the medication. This sudden weight increase can have profound physical and psychological effects, leading to feelings of frustration and anger, especially when patients are unaware of alternative treatments that address the root cause of their condition. Some have expressed regret, feeling that they could have avoided or discontinued the medication earlier had they known about other options.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Lyrica

While some patients experience significant relief from nerve-related symptoms with Lyrica, others find the benefits overshadowed by the side effects. Research into the medication’s effectiveness, particularly for conditions like RLS, is limited. For instance, a research assistant investigating studies on Lyrica’s efficacy in treating RLS found a surprising lack of substantial evidence supporting its use. He did this to provide data for the book I made called A Perfect Night’s Sleep which documents our research and the effectiveness of surgical reversal of restless legs. The assistant was shocked at how little research there is to show its effectiveness.

Patient Perspectives on Lyrica

weight gain from medication lyrica

Patients’ experiences with Lyrica can generally be categorized into three groups:

  1. The “just say no” group: These individuals are strongly opposed to taking medications, often due to concerns about side effects. They prefer to avoid drugs like Lyrica and seek alternative treatments. We are a very over-drugged society and if you watch TV it seems like every other commercial is about a drug. These patients are very concerned about the side effects of any drug, not just Lyrica.
  2. The “I’m stuck with this drug” group: This group experiences some relief from their symptoms with Lyrica but is eager to find other options to discontinue its use due to side effects like weight gain and drowsiness. They often explore treatments that address the underlying causes of their condition, such as nerve decompression procedures or non-drug therapies. It’s a love-hate thing with Lyrica: the drug helps but they pay the price with the common side effects.
  3. The “Been there done that” group: These patients have tried Lyrica, often during periods of severe pain, but discontinued its use either because it was ineffective or due to intolerable side effects. Common complaints include feeling mentally foggy, excessive drowsiness, and significant weight gain.

You might be asking yourself, shouldn’t there be another group? And you are right, there should be. That would be the, “I take the drug, it’s awesome and I have no side effects!” Sadly, from my experience, this is the smallest group, and I seldom hear about it.

Imagine the negative physical and mental effects of carrying an extra 50 pounds. Many patients are angry and frustrated that they never knew about options that treat the root cause of the problem, and they could have avoided the medications or had an opportunity to get off the medications sooner in their life. We have had success by treating the root cause of neuropathy and restless legs with our surgical and non-surgical means and it has been rewarding for our patients who are reversing Lyrica weight gain.

How to Reverse Lyrica Weight Gain?

If you’ve gained weight on Lyrica, you’re not alone. Here are some strategies to help prevent and reverse Lyrica-related weight gain:

  • Evaluate Alternative Treatments – Nerve decompression therapy, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes may help manage pain without medication.
  • Stay Active – Light exercise like walking, yoga, or strength training can help maintain a healthy weight.
  • Watch Your Diet – Focus on high-protein, low-carb meals to counteract cravings and fluid retention.
  • Monitor Fluid Retention – Reduce salt intake and stay hydrated to minimize Lyrica-related bloating.
  • Talk to Your Doctor – Ask about lowering your dose or switching to a different nerve pain medication with fewer weight-related side effects.

Exploring Alternative Treatments

Given the potential risks and side effects associated with Lyrica, it’s crucial for patients to explore alternative treatment options. Addressing the root cause of neuropathic pain or RLS may offer more sustainable relief without the drawbacks of medication. For instance, nerve decompression surgery has been shown to improve symptoms in some patients by relieving pressure on compressed nerves.

Non-surgical treatments, such as electrical stimulation (ESTIM) and MLS laser therapy, have also demonstrated effectiveness in promoting nerve repair and reducing pain. ESTIM works by sending electrical pulses to stimulate nerve healing, while MLS laser therapy targets cells’ mitochondria to enhance energy production and repair processes.

Final Thoughts: Is Lyrica Worth the Risk?

While Lyrica remains a commonly prescribed medication for neuropathy, nerve pain, and restless legs syndrome, it’s essential for patients to be aware of its potential side effects, particularly significant weight gain. Exploring alternative treatments that address the underlying causes of these conditions may provide effective relief without the associated risks. Patients are encouraged to discuss these options with their healthcare providers to determine the most appropriate course of action for their individual needs.

If you’re looking for drug-free ways to manage neuropathy or restless legs, we can help! Contact us today to learn more about our proven non-surgical treatment options.

So, the message is that if you’re experiencing neuropathic pain from neuropathy or restless leg type symptoms start asking the more difficult question: what other options do I have? Is it worth the risk of potential weight gain, high blood pressure, diabetes or worsening of your diabetes, cancer, and arthritic joints by using Lyrica or other medicines?

Start looking behind another door, a door of hope. Consider shutting the door of drug treatment and learn about ways to make your nerve pain a memory!

Call us today at our Fort Collins location (970) 484-4620, Broomfield location (720) 259-5053 or use our online scheduling system to book your appointment.

View our patient testimonials and informative videos on YouTube.

Also join us on facebook for support from other previous patients and people seeking help. https://www.facebook.com/AndersonPodiatryCenter

Questions and Answers:

  • What is Lyrica commonly prescribed for?
    Lyrica is prescribed for conditions such as neuropathy, nerve pain, and restless legs syndrome.
  • What are the common side effects of Lyrica?
    Common side effects include weight gain, drowsiness, and mental fogginess.
  • How much weight do patients typically gain on Lyrica?
    Patients typically gain between 10 to 15 pounds, though some have reported gains of up to 60 pounds.
  • What are the potential health risks associated with Lyrica-induced weight gain?
    Potential health risks include increased blood pressure, heart failure, fluid retention leading to peripheral edema, and added stress on lower extremity joints, which may result in osteoarthritis.
  • Are there alternative treatments to Lyrica for nerve-related conditions?
    Yes, there are both surgical and non-surgical treatments that address the root causes of nerve-related conditions without relying solely on medication.

2 New Important Studies to Know About for People Suffering with Diabetic Neuropathy

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I’ve been a member, including past president and board member, of the Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons for a long time. I routinely attend meetings and lectures and train nerve surgeons, and I recently attended their annual meeting. These meetings are important to me, but they are also important to some of you and ptrain nerve surgeonseople that you know, because some of the research we do provides us with new information that helps people with diabetic foot problems, including the risk of amputation.

Many diabetics suffer from neuropathy. They struggle with the typical diabetic symptoms as well as the burning, tingling, numbness and pain also associated with this disease, which leads to an increased risk of amputation.

What if you or someone that you know with diabetic neuropathy could reduce or eliminate the symptoms? What if something could be done to restore more normal nerve function? The risk of amputation in diabetics would be greatly reduced.

At the meeting I attended an important thing happened: two new studies regarding diabetics and neuropathy were discussed. One of the two studies was one that I have recently completed, and the other study was completed by Dr. Zhang from Shanghai, China.

Dr. Zhang’s study showed an improvement in lower extremity nerve function for patients he had performed surgical decompression surgery on (opening of the nerve tunnels), which is similar to carpal tunnel surgery done in the hand. His EMG studies showed improvement of the patients nerve function that lasted months and even years after having the procedure performed.association of extremity nerve surgeons conference

My study showed intraoperative improvement via EMG in nerve function within minutes of opening these nerve tunnels. This explains why many patients have immediate dramatic improvements in their symptoms, and can even feel their feet again.

The data from both studies demonstrates how quickly nerves can repair and that the effects are long term. These study results are supported clinically by other surgeons who also perform these procedures, and it supports what our patients are saying as well.

It is our desire to change the narrative, to change the thought of conventional medicine. Between our two studies we have a good scientific foundation that proves how much diabetic patients can be helped.

So next time you’re thinking about treatments for diabetic neuropathy for yourself or someone you know, ask yourself this question: are drugs, with their unwanted and often dangerous side effects, the best answer?

We continue to do surgical decompression surgery for patients suffering from diabetic and non-diabetic neuropathy. We have a large volume of scientific data that shows improvement in various nerves after surgery. So next time you or anyone you know says there’s nothing that can be done, or you hear the Lyrica ads on TV or are considering using Neurontin to help with your neuropathy pain, remember these studies. The real hope of relief from neuropathy pain and numbness is now clinically supported and available to help those in need.  We are truly on the forefront of a treatment shift in dealing with this debilitating disease.

Our study will be published shortly and I will be sure to highlight the results with you. I enjoyed meeting and sharing our research with a surgeon so far away who is also trying to help to change how medicine treats such a dreaded problem. We hope to collaborate and present our findings more in the future, both here and in China and other parts of the world.

9 Questions About How Hip Replacement Can Lead to Drop Foot and What You Can Do About It

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Many improvements have been made for patients who need hip replacement surgery. My experience with patients has been that most will say “If I knew it was going to help me this much I would have had it done earlier.” The concept of replacement of these joints has helped many to continue enjoying a more active and productive lifestyle. However, there is the potential risk of drop foot after having a hip replacement surgery.

1. What is drop foot?

In simple terms, this is the lack of strength to pull your foot up off the ground, or to pull away from the opposite foot

2. What is the problem with drop foot?

Essentially you have solved one problem, a hip joint that doesn’t hurt, and now have a new one: DROP FOOT!

3. How does this effect you?

With a mild amount of weakness, you may simply feel less stable when walking across uneven surfaces and feel more prone to twisting your ankle. With severe weakness you may find walking very unstable and therefore your activity is very limited. You may even need to wear a brace to keep your ankle in proper alignment. The net effect: You now have a foot and ankle that limits your activity instead of that old worn out hip joint.

4. How does hip surgery create the drop foot?

The common remarks among orthopedic surgeons is that the sciatic nerve may get stretched during the procedure. It is also common for patients to be told to wait, give it some time and maybe the nerve will repair.

5. Are there any newer thought processes regarding this complication?

Yes. We now believe that in many situations a nerve branch in the lower leg has been injured from this stretching, as this nerve is a branch of the sciatic nerve. It is also the primary nerve that sends signals to the leg muscles to pull the foot up and to the side. When the nerve is stretched along with the sciatic nerve it’s damaged and no longer works effectively. Therefore, weakness and drop foot.

6. What can you do?

First and foremost, don’t wait. Although we have had very good success helping people who have been in this situation for years, earlier treatment when the problem first appears can give the patient better recovery.

7. What do we do?

Our primary objective is to reverse the weakness! For many patients we are able to do this with surgery. The surgeries are primarily focused on one or two nerve tunnels in the lower extremity. By opening these tunnels, much like carpel tunnel surgery, nerve function and therefore strength can be restored.

8. What’s the good the bad and the ugly about these surgeries?

The good news is in most cases it can help. It’s a quick recovery as you can walk the next day. Some can appreciate improvement immediately. The bad and the ugly are it may not work. If it fails, we find that the effects of the surgery are neutral, there is no worsening of symptoms.

9. What’s your next step?

If you or someone you know suffers from drop foot after hip replacement please consider this option. You may be able to get back to more full activity without the worry of falling or twisting your ankle.

Be thankful that your hip is better and understand that the opportunity may be there to get your strength back!

hip replacement can lead to drop foot

What We Believe: Anderson Podiatry Center for Foot Nerve Pain Treatment

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chronic nerve pain center anderson podiatry

I’d like to take a few moments to explain our philosophy at our foot nerve pain treatment center. Many of you know generally what a podiatrist does. We work on feet and ankles. But why a center for nerve pain? Why would you come to us for this?

At Anderson Podiatry Center, our approach to patient care focuses on addressing the root cause of your issues, not just alleviating the symptoms. Whether you’re dealing with restless legs, neuropathy, or chronic nerve pain resulting from trauma, we are committed to providing effective and lasting solutions for your nerve-related problems. By identifying and treating the underlying causes, we aim to not only relieve your immediate discomfort but also offer you the opportunity for long-term resolution. Our dedicated team of specialists works tirelessly to reverse the symptoms you’re experiencing and enhance your overall quality of life, ensuring that you can enjoy improved health and mobility. With our patient-centered approach, you can trust us to deliver comprehensive care that prioritizes your well-being and helps you achieve a better, pain-free future.

Patients can be divided into two groups based upon their current belief systems, or what they have been told about their neuropathy. These beliefs are very important to take the time to consider.

  1. The belief or of those who don’t come to our foot nerve pain treatment center are:
  • that the nerve symptoms below your knee probably originate from your back, so we can’t help you.
  • that the drugs you’re taking are helping your nerves and you’re fine with continuing down that pathway, so we can’t help you.
  • that it’s good enough to allow the drugs to mute your symptoms and you aren’t worried what this could progress to, so you won’t need our help.
  • that your nerves are just diseased from the diabetes, restless legs, or chemotherapy, and that’s just the way it is.

If you do have these belief, I’m sorry but we will be of no help. But I urge you to challenge these beliefs or what you may have been told.

nerve pain monitoring anderson podiatry center

Who does come to us? People who believe there’s got to be a better way. People who don’t like to take no for an answer when it comes to improving their nerve health and general wellbeing. We attract people to the center who most fit our beliefs. Some travel a great distance from many states away to hear what we have to say.

  1. The belief of those who do come to our Nerve Pain Center follow the same beliefs as we do; they don’t simply accept their condition, but they question:
  • Why do I have to be on drugs?
  • Why am I being told it’s because of my back?
  • Why am I told I just have to live with it?
  • Why am I told its not reversible?

Many of the people who find us feel more secure to know that we have a research team that tracks our outcomes. To disrupt and revise the standard way you’ve been treated and to back our outcomes with research is who we are, it is our mission and purpose!

Please check our website to learn more about our alternatives to these common beliefs about neuropathy. You may be very glad you did. Some of the topics that we have explained in fine detail are:

So in summary, I have one more question: what do you BELIEVE?

Find the answers you are looking for, by a call, email or chat. With our own foot nerve pain treatment center, we are one of the highest rated foot and ankle clinics in the tri-state area of Colorado, Wyoming and Cheyenne. International patients have also trusted us to find a cure and management path to a better way of live. Two convenient locations in Fort Collins and Broomfield.

Call us today at our Fort Collins location (970) 484-4620, Broomfield location (720) 259-5053 or use our online scheduling system to book your appointment.

Leg Cramps: A New Potential Cause

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Leg cramps are extremely frustrating. Many of you have been woken up suddenly by the feeling of a giant knot forming in your calf muscle and you try to stretch it before it has a chance to get knotted up. It’s discouraging, exhausting, and often painful, but now there are new ways to treat leg cramps!

Many of you live with these nightly leg cramps. These more serious cramps are even more frustrating in terms of their frequency and ability to affect your sleep.  You may even need to get up and walk around to relieve the symptoms, or perhaps you’ve tried other kinds of remedies: you may have been told you need more calcium, more potassium, and more magnesium. Maybe you’ve heard, “It’s your circulation,” and some of you may resort to drugs such as muscle relaxants, Lyrica, and Neurontin that are used for neuropathy. You may even take tranquilizers to get to sleep!

Four years ago another solution to this problem was found.  At Anderson Podiatry Center (and a select few other centers around the country) we do nerve decompression procedures in the foot and lower leg to release pressure on tight nerve tunnels that are damaging your nerves, thus relieving symptoms. Four years ago a fifth tunnel compression that can also create damage to nerves was found. This tunnel, when compressed, can be the cause the severe leg cramps so many people suffer from.

It’s called the soleal sling tunnel and it resides deep inside your larger calf muscle. A fibrous band that lays close to the tunnel can cause pressure against the main nerve that goes to the bottom of your foot. When that tight band is released surgically, many patients get relief from severe leg cramps.

Cramping may not be the only symptom for these patients.  Many will have numbness, burning, tingling, and weakness associated with damage to the nerve. A 20 minute procedure can have patients walking the next day, and many find symptom relief within days.  Though not for everyone it is an exciting new treatment option now available for many that suffer from this aggravating and even debilitating problem.

Some of you may be at your wits end with the fatigue and stress that you experience when these severe chronic night-time cramps never seem to go away. Don’t forget the drugs you may be taking are not fixing it, although they may help. Please take into account the nerve tunnel procedure for soleal sling next time you’re considering your next step to get rid of the cramps, and get your sleep and life back!     Leg cramps causes and treatment

Nerve Monitoring in Surgery: Improvements and Results

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nerve pain

I recently was paid a visit by two scientists from the Medtronics medical device company. They came to our office and surgery center to help expand the way I evaluate and monitor improvement of nerve function during the nerve surgeries I do.  It was a messy process and frustrating at first, but by the end of the day, and at the end of the week the entire team had a much greater regard for how this was providing better service to patients, and how useful the information we were gathering will be to share with patients suffering from neuropathy and restless legs.

So, what’s all the fuss about nerve monitoring anyway?

  1. What is nerve monitoring? 

Intraoperative nerve monitoring is an invaluable technique employed during surgery to gauge the surgery’s impact on the affected nerve in real-time. This sophisticated method involves the placement of small needle electrodes within the target muscle area. These electrodes effectively capture and measure the signals transmitted by the nerve when it is stimulated during the surgical procedure. This allows us to obtain precise baseline readings before the nerve is decompressed or released.

One of the significant advantages of intraoperative nerve monitoring is that it provides the surgeon with immediate feedback regarding the progress of the procedure. By continuously assessing the nerve’s signals during surgery, the surgeon can make real-time adjustments and fine-tune the decompression process. This dynamic approach ensures that the desired outcome, such as relieving nerve compression, is achieved effectively and efficiently. It also enhances the overall safety and success of the surgical intervention.

  1. Why is this important to you, the patient?

Sometimes we are so close to what we do we forget the uniqueness of it, so that’s why I’m writing this blog.  Because we do this with every nerve case we perform, we have amassed more experience and data over the past several years than anywhere in the world. We are also the primary center for improving the concept.  No other surgery center, hospital, etc. does what we do. Because of this we feel we can better optimize the patient’s outcome.

  1. Value based medicine: the new buzz word. But what is it?

As healthcare progresses in our society this term has increased in importance. It refers to employing evidence-based medicine and proven treatments in determining the best outcomes for patients. When it comes to the nerve procedures we do, there is no other place that does the volume of work we do for as long as we’ve done it by recording our results before the patient leaves the operating room.

Strong statement? Maybe a little, but we also understand the importance of value based medicine, and believe it’s important to demonstrate to the consumer the effectiveness of a given treatment or procedure so the patient can make the best decisions about their care.

  1. So, why use nerve monitoring?

Aside from the above, we have a sincere respect for the nerves of the foot and leg-weird as that may seem. Nerve monitoring has long been used during procedures in the back, face, or neck; it’s about time and lower extremity got the same due!

Neuropathy is our passion, and developing procedures, and testing outcomes is important to further the availability of treatments that actually help people who suffer from this debilitating disease.

At Anderson Podiatry Center, neuropathy is more than just a medical condition; it’s our calling and our passion. Our unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those suffering from this debilitating disease drives us to continually advance our knowledge and treatment options. We firmly believe that developing innovative procedures and rigorously testing their outcomes are essential steps toward expanding the availability of effective neuropathy treatments.
One of our groundbreaking contributions to the field of neuropathy treatment is our pioneering work in nerve monitoring within the lower extremities. This cutting-edge technique has enabled us to push the boundaries of what’s possible in neuropathy care. By meticulously monitoring nerve activity during procedures, we can make real-time adjustments and tailor treatments to the specific needs of each patient.
We invite you to connect with us today to explore the remarkable advancements we’ve made in the realm of neuropathy management. Our dedicated team is eager to share our expertise and insights, ensuring that you receive the most innovative and effective solutions for your neuropathy-related challenges. We are genuinely here to make a meaningful difference in your life and provide the relief you deserve. Together, we can combat neuropathy and work toward a brighter, pain-free future.

nerve monitoring in the lower extremity

3 Essential Books for Understanding and Living with Neuropathy

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Your legs and feet are one of the most important parts of our body; they carry you everywhere you go. So, naturally, leg and feet issues can greatly disrupt your daily life. This is sadly the case for the many people who suffer from neuropathy– or nerve pain. Neuropathy is painful, frustrating, and debilitating, and with all the information out there it can be overwhelming finding good, accurate sources of information, but it doesn’t have to be.

First of all, you might have neuropathy and not even know it. Some symptoms to look for with neuropathy include muscle weakness, twitching, tingling, burning, loss of balance, numbness, prickling sensations, and/or nerve pain in your legs or feet. Neuropathy can be caused by diabetes, injury, infections, certain cancers, and alcohol, and it is progressive and will worsen over time.

To help you correctly live with and understand your neuropathy we have found three essential books to read:

  1. Sugar Crush: How to Reduce Inflammation, Reverse Nerve Damage, and Reclaim Good Health– by Richard Jacoby, DPM

Even though this book is not solely on neuropathy, it is still an excellent resource for those who suffer from it. Sugar Crush was written by a leading peripheral nerve surgeon. In it he explains why sugar and carbohydrates are harmful to the body’s nerves, and how eliminating them may help mitigate or even reverse nerve damage.

He goes on to describe how a diet high in sugar, processed carbohydrates, and wheat compresses and damages the peripheral nerves of the body. This leads to pain, numbness, and tinging in hands and feet. Sound familiar? These are the same symptoms as neuropathy, which is why this book is a great resource for you!

  1. Coping with Peripheral Neuropathy: How to handle stress, disability, anxiety, fatigue, depression, pain, and relationships– by Scott Berman, MD CIDP

Unfortunately, living with chronic pain and a debilitating disease affects much more than just your physical body. It affects your emotions, causes other problems such as anxiety and depression, and often affects those around you as well.

However, keep in mind that although this book may help you cope with the chronic pain you currently live with, you might not always have to. Just as Sugar Crush discusses, there are possible treatments that may reverse neuropathy symptoms and help stop chronic pain.

  1. Mindfulness Meditation for Pain Relief: Guided Practices for Reclaiming Your Body and Your Life– by Jon Kabat-Zinn

Those who suffer from neuropathy often complain of chronic pain as well. If you live a life shaped by pain, you understand the physical and emotional sufferings that usually accompany it. In this book you can learn how to rely on meditation, rather than solely medication, to ease your pain. Often neuropathy patients complain about all the medications they have to take that don’t always work, and almost always come with unwanted side effects. Here is a great alternative.

According to customer reviews, this book offers meditation techniques for beginners, so anyone can use it and find relief, while also discovering new freedom and improved quality of life. However, same with the above book mentioned, remember that there are treatments for neuropathy that have been able to reverse symptoms for many patients, enabling them to live pain free.

These books are very helpful for living with neuropathy, but they are not your only source of information. Speak to a podiatrist to learn all about your disease, and more importantly how you may be able to reverse your symptoms with promising treatment options.

Understanding and Living with Neuropathy

4 Ways Your Weight Affects Your Feet

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Your feet are a vital part of your daily activity; they are responsible for carrying your entire body around. When you suffer from foot pain, whether temporary or chronic, everyday activities suddenly—and frustratingly—become much harder to accomplish.

There are many causes for foot pain, but a common culprit is your body weight. As troublesome as foot pain is, it’s not hopeless!

It’s important to remember that your feet not only carry your body weight; they also absorb the impact of each step you take. When they’re carrying more weight around, they’re put under more stress, which in turn puts more stress on the tissue and wears down the foot structure.  Being overweight by even 25 pounds increases the stress on your feet.

Here are four of the main ways that your weight can negatively affect your feet:

  1. Tendon Inflammation – Carrying too much weight causes you to change your posture, which shifts your body weight to the inside. This weight shift puts extra pressure on your arches and tendons, often resulting in tendonitis.
  2. Plantar Fascia Inflammation – The plantar fascia is the soft band of tissue on the sole of your foot that connects the heel bone to the toes. When it becomes inflamed it causes plantar fasciitis, a stabbing sensation in the heel that makes it painful to walk.
  3. Osteoarthritis – This is the breakdown of cartilage in joints. Though this most commonly affects knees and hips, it also causes swollen and stiff joints in your ankles.
  4. Nerve Pain – Burning, tingling, or numbness are typically a result of nerve pain, which stems from neuropathy and neuromas.

As discouraging as foot pain can be, there are ways to reduce or even eliminate it. Losing weight is one of the best ways to decrease foot pain, but since walking or even standing can be uncomfortable, it can be difficult to exercise.

Here are a few other ways to help decrease your weight-related foot pain:

  • Try regenerative medicine. Regenerative medicine is a minimally invasive treatment that is particularly helpful with tendon pain, plantar fasciitis, and arthritis. Regenerative treatments like AmnioFix change growth factors to the body’s own stem cells that reduce inflammation and scar-tissue formation to enhance healing. These treatments have minimal lay up so you can continue to work out and even do weight-bearing exercises.
  • Wear sufficiently cushioned shoes. Being overweight makes it difficult to bend over, and flip-flops or other slip-on shoes seem to be a good choice because they are easier to put on. These shoes offer little to no support, however, and will only make your foot pain worse.
  • Invest in orthotics. Custom orthotics are an excellent way to correct foot misalignment and decrease pain. Anderson also points out that “custom orthotics are hugely important, and take the support you need from shoe to shoe.” Orthotics combined with AmnioFix are commonly used in treating weight-related foot pain.
  • Do low-impact exercises. Low-impact exercises like swimming and cycling are a great way to shed some weight without the pain of higher-impact workouts like running or hiking.

Whether your foot pain is weight-related or caused by something else, it’s important to understand that foot pain is never normal, and you don’t have to live with it.

effect of weight loss on feet