This is probably going to be a weird question, so I thought I would warn you in advance. We have all heard the old legend that big peoples feet hurt because they are just carrying around so much extra weight. I wanted some personal insight into the legend.

I work 8 hours a day, and it is all on my feet, and on the go. It doesn’t help any that the floors are concrete. I spend lots of money on good supportive shoes, and I buy those insoles with the gel that are supposed to help too. But I still come home from each day with sore feet. And I don’t mean just a little sore. I don’t even want to put pressure on them for hours because it hurts so badly.

I want some personal insight into whether this is a problem that is going to gradually get better as I shed pounds, or if I should go ahead and make an appointment to see a Doctor about it. Please be honest, but PLEASE tell me it will get better.

Sorry if this question sounds so strange, but it has been bothering me.

Alley May
:c(

When I was small, ie, 140-150 lbs, I had a standing job and the doggies STILL hurt, so I think it's a combination of things that's lethal, not just the weight. You're taking the right steps (no pun intended) Maybe talk to your boss about getting mats to stand on--they do have rubber mats with special absorption qualites that are supposed to help. (Though, dh has those at his work and sweras they don't do anything. When he had his foot issues we got hime nice Rockports, and the shoes seemed to help)

I am so glad you are here because that means you've decided to do something about your weight.

I can't tell you that your feet will not be sore ever again just because you lose weight. I think only a podiatrist could tell you that.

But I can tell you about an aunt I have who is probably about your weight and has been so for many years. She has a serious issues with her legs and feet. Fluid accumulates in her legs to the point where they are so painful she can hardly walk. At one point she was using a cane fairly regularly.

For years her doctors have told her that the best antidote was for her to lose weight. Unfortunately this didn't happen for her for whatever reason. And she continues to complain of pain in her legs and feet. For several months earlier this year she was confined to a chair or couch for most of the due to the severity of her condition.

She is now 60 years old. For as long as I can remember her she has been overweight. She lost an incredible 100 pounds once approx 25 years ago. She did so because she couldn't conceive and her doctors recommend she take care of herself and lose weight and the pregancy would come -- and it did. But then she put the weight back on unfortunately.

Anyhow, one of the primary motivations for my losing weight at this point in my life was watching my aunt go through her issues with walking. She has become less and less mobile and it is much more difficult for her to lose weight now because of this.

So, go to a doctor, have your feet/legs checked and confirm that it is indeed due to the extra weight you are carrying and nothing else. And then use this is an incentive to keep going towards the goals you've set for yourself.

I had issues with my feet and legs that did disappear as I lost weight, but I also didn't work on my feet 8 hours/day, so the bulk of your problem could just be the fact that you stand for 8 hours. I'm sure losing weight will offer some comfort advantages, but my hubby who is not even an ounce overweight works on his feet and has sore feet often, so weight may or may not have anything to do with it?
I'd mention it to your doc and see what the doc says.

Donna

I am not expecting to never have sore feet again. But I am 24, I don't want to walk like a crippled person (no offense to anyone who is) for the rest of my life because I am overweight. I would just like for some of the pain to go away. Not all of it.

Alley May

When I was a bit younger than you I worked as a cashier during the summer months. I weighed about 140 then. My feet got sore, but not to the extent that they would bother me much after i left work, and not that I would say I walked like a crippled person. so i think yes, weight loss would have a profound effect on your feet.
I think it would make a big difference for your knees too althought you don't feel any pain with them. Good luck.
Pat

If I worked all day, standing on a concrete floor, I would fully expect my feet to hurt. On the other hand, there's hurt and then there's HURT.

I have a dear friend who's very heavy -way heavier than you. Bless her heart, she DOES have a more difficult time with her feet. We go to a conference every year where we have to walk from the hotel to the meeting area. Cardiovascular-wise she could do it in spite of her weight. It's her feet that give out, and she has to take a taxi.

So, I think anyone's feet would hurt, given your work situation. But, my guess is that weight loss will help the situation significantly. I'm guessing, but it sure SEEMS reasonable.

Andrea

I think anyone's feet will be a little uncomfortable after standing for 8 hours straight! My job also requires standing all day, so I know the feeling:) When I first started, it was awful, because I wasn't used to it, then gradually it got to a point where it doesn't really bother me anymore. I definitely think the weight has got to be a factor. Our bodies are not made for supporting that kind of weight, so of course it will cause them great strain if we put all that extra pressure on them. I'm sure if I carried another person around on my back all day, my feet would hurt much more than they do now. I'm sure you will notice a big difference once you have lost some of the weight. You are going to feel so much better- not just your feet!
Good for you for starting- I think that is the hardest part! You will do awesome!

Melissa