Age and Body Mass Index Linked to Heel Pain
Achilles tendonitis is more likely to develop in overweight and obese patients and harder to treat in patients over the age of 65, says new study from Weil Foot & Ankle Institute.
Des Plaines, IL, July 20, 2013 --(PR.com)-- A new study published in the journal Foot and Ankle Specialist by physicians at Weil Foot & Ankle Institute demonstrates that body mass index (BMI ) and age may play significant roles in the development and treatment of Achilles tendonitis...
Age and BMI have been linked to higher risks for a number of medical conditions that require care, from diabetes to cancer.
Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon. Inflammation is a natural response to injury or disease, and often causes swelling, pain and irritation in the area that is affected.
The study examined nearly 1000 patients who presented to the Weil clinic with plantar fasciitis between 2002 and 2011. The researchers studied data from the patients, whose ages ranged from 18 to 88 years old. The study used body weight and height to calculate BMI figures as well as patient records to determine treatment outcomes.
The study’s authors — podiatrists Dr. Erin Klein, Dr. Lowell Weil Jr., and Dr. Adam Fleischer — discovered patients seeking care for Achilles tendonitis are 2.6 to 6.6 times more likely to be overweight or obese than patients who visit a foot and ankle specialist for other conditions. This finding is important because Achilles tendonitis can be a debilitating condition of the foot and ankle that can be costly and painful to treat.
Additionally, this study found that advanced age at initial clinic visit, particularly if the patient is over 65, can lead to failure of conservative treatment methods. These patients are 2.4 times more likely to require advanced or surgical treatment for this condition.
“Achilles tendonitis can be debilitating and frustrating to treat for both the patient and the physician,” said study author Dr. Erin Klein. “This research provides some insight as to why some patients see little to no improvement, and reminds us of the costly toll obesity and age can take on our health.”
Recently published in Foot and Ankle Specialist.
For additional details on the study as well as other research by these authors, please visit www.weil4feet.com/research/#erin-klein
About Weil Foot & Ankle Institute: The physicians and staff of the Weil Foot & Ankle Institute are dedicated to using the latest research and most advanced technology to deliver exceptional podiatric care to people throughout Chicagoland and northeastern Illinois. Their services — whether preventive care or corrective surgery — have earned the Institute international recognition and steady growth for over four decades. (www.weil4feet.com)
Age and BMI have been linked to higher risks for a number of medical conditions that require care, from diabetes to cancer.
Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon. Inflammation is a natural response to injury or disease, and often causes swelling, pain and irritation in the area that is affected.
The study examined nearly 1000 patients who presented to the Weil clinic with plantar fasciitis between 2002 and 2011. The researchers studied data from the patients, whose ages ranged from 18 to 88 years old. The study used body weight and height to calculate BMI figures as well as patient records to determine treatment outcomes.
The study’s authors — podiatrists Dr. Erin Klein, Dr. Lowell Weil Jr., and Dr. Adam Fleischer — discovered patients seeking care for Achilles tendonitis are 2.6 to 6.6 times more likely to be overweight or obese than patients who visit a foot and ankle specialist for other conditions. This finding is important because Achilles tendonitis can be a debilitating condition of the foot and ankle that can be costly and painful to treat.
Additionally, this study found that advanced age at initial clinic visit, particularly if the patient is over 65, can lead to failure of conservative treatment methods. These patients are 2.4 times more likely to require advanced or surgical treatment for this condition.
“Achilles tendonitis can be debilitating and frustrating to treat for both the patient and the physician,” said study author Dr. Erin Klein. “This research provides some insight as to why some patients see little to no improvement, and reminds us of the costly toll obesity and age can take on our health.”
Recently published in Foot and Ankle Specialist.
For additional details on the study as well as other research by these authors, please visit www.weil4feet.com/research/#erin-klein
About Weil Foot & Ankle Institute: The physicians and staff of the Weil Foot & Ankle Institute are dedicated to using the latest research and most advanced technology to deliver exceptional podiatric care to people throughout Chicagoland and northeastern Illinois. Their services — whether preventive care or corrective surgery — have earned the Institute international recognition and steady growth for over four decades. (www.weil4feet.com)
Contact
Weil Foot & Ankle Institute
Erin E. Klein, DPM, MS
847-390-7666
www.weil4feet.com
Erin E. Klein, DPM, MS
847-390-7666
www.weil4feet.com
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