Patients who are classified as either overweight (an excess of body weight compared to set standards) or obese (having an abnormally high proportion of body fat) [1] have special needs and concerns regarding foot orthotics. Their frequency of lower extremity and spinal problems is greater, as is their requirement for shock absorption. Shoe fit problems and multiple biomechanical abnormalities increase the challenge in achieving a satisfactory response.

The following are special considerations that are important in obtaining good results with obese chiropractic patients.

Most researchers have concluded that Americans are becoming more and more overweight -- with nearly one-quarter of U.S. adults defined as obese.[2] Since the additional weight load places more stress on the supportive skeletal structures, it isn't surprising that overweight results in more musculoskeletal and arthritic problems.

Lower extremity biomechanics are very different in the overweight patient. During walking, obese individuals take shorter steps, have an increased step width, and walk more slowly. They have increased Q-angles at the knee, more hip abduction, significantly more abducted foot angles, and increased out-toeing (foot flare). Hyperpronation is greatly increased, with a greater touchdown angle, more eversion of the foot, more flat-footed weight acceptance period in early stance, and a faster maximum eversion velocity being measured. There is also greater ankle dorsiflexion, but less plantar flexion.

In a 1996 study [3], Frey determined that overweight patients experience a higher incidence of plantar fascitis, tendinitis, osteoarthritis, and fractures/sprains of their feet and ankles. A more recent study suggests that obesity is "a cause and initiator of heel pain and plantar fascitis/calcaneal spur, and that improper footwear aggravates the condition." [4]

A study by Riddiford-Harland et al.[5] concluded that excess body mass "appears to have a significant effect on the foot structure of prepubescent children, whereby young obese children display structural foot characteristics which may develop into problematic symptoms if excessive weight gain continues."

*** Biomechanical alignment of the lower extremities interfering with spinal function. Evaluate and correct for: Hyperpronation at the foot and ankle, arch collapse, valgus knees (knock-knees), and excessive knee and hip joint rotation.

*** Shock absorption, cartilage and disc protection. Use orthotic materials and designs which supplement the heel pad and reduce the stress of heel-strike shock (transitory pressure) and sustained weight (continuous compression) on joint cartilage and spinal discs.

*** Biochemical abnormalities -- complicating factors. Remember that the cause of obesity in some patients is a biochemical imbalance such as hypothyroid and/or adult onset diabetes (Type 2). These problems will require dietary counseling and nutritional recommendations.

*** Muscle imbalances -- stretching and strengthening. Check the function of the muscles which support the foot and ankle. Gould reports that overweight patients with hyperpronation frequently demonstrate weakness of the posterior tibialis muscle, along with tight heel cords.[6]

*** Shoe and orthotic fit. Examine the shoes for roll-over breakdown of the sides and heel counter, and excessive heel wear. Wrong shoe size will interfere with any attempt to introduce an orthotic. Slip-ons and loafers provide no support. Recommend a lacing shoe with a strong heel counter.

There is an inherent conflict in the overweight patient's need for orthotics. A relatively rigid, very controlling type of support is needed to counteract the high forces generated by the heavier loads imposed on the lower extremities. But the need for shock absorption to decrease the excessive stress on the articular cartilage and slow the degenerative processes is also critical. Comfort is a factor, too, since unworn orthotics aren't useful. So which is optimal for an overweight patient: a rigid, controlling orthotic, or a soft, flexible orthotic?

I recommend an orthotic which provides variable firmness, flexibility, and control at mid-stance, and also protects the foot from heel-strike with a shock-absorbing material in the heel area. When an orthotic with these qualities is combined with advice on shoe fit, strengthening and stretching exercises, and appropriate chiropractic treatments for involved joints, the overweight segment of our population has a much greater opportunity to begin exercising safely and in comfort.

All clinicians who treat low back pain and lower extremity problems should consider the benefits of orthotics for their obese patients. For many such patients, well-fitted and appropriately designed orthotics will help provide a more successful and longer-term clinical outcome.

1. National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. "Clinical guidelines on the identification, evaluation, and treatment of overweight and obesity in adults." June, 1998.

2. Flegal KM, Carroll MD, Kuczmarski RJ, Johnson CL. "Overweight and obesity in the United States: prevalence and trends," 1960-1994. Int J Obes 1998; 22:39-47.

3. Frey C. "Obesity and foot problems." Biomechanics 1996; 3(1):33.

4. Sadat-Ali M. "Plantar fascitis/calcaneal spur among security forces personnel." Mil Med 1998; 163(1):56-57.

5. Riddiford-Harland DL, Steele JR, Storlien LH. "Does obesity influence foot structure in prepubescent children?" Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 2000; 24(5):541-544.

6. Gould N. "Hyperpronation and pes planus in adults." Clin Orthop and Rel Res 1983; 181:37-45.