Can Your Feet Tell You About Your Health?
Every day our feet work hard to get us to where we need to be. Yet they are one of the most ignored parts of the body. If we pay attention to what is happening to our feet, we may gain insights into what is happening within our bodies. From annoying foot pain to more serious symptoms like numbness, our feet oftentimes show us symptoms of disease before any other part of the body. Below are a few common foot indicators of health issues.
Enlarged Big Toe
If your big toe swells, it could very well be a sign of gout. Gout is a common form of inflammatory arthritis that can be very painful. It typically affects one joint at a time, most often the big toe joint.
Cold Feet
Most people experience cold feet at one time or another. Some causes are temporary and harmless, while others could indicate a more serious underlying health condition. Poor circulation is among the most common causes of cold feet, meaning not enough warm blood can get to the feet. Circulation issues can come as a result of something as simple as a sedentary lifestyle or as complicated as a heart condition.
Cold feet can also be an indication of Hypothyroidism. This is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland is underactive which in turn affects the metabolism and the body’s temperature.
Both Anemia and Diabetes can cause feet to be cold to the touch.
Thick, Yellow Toenails
If you find that one or more of your toenails begins to thicken and change color you may have a fungal infection. People with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of developing fungal infections.
Numbness in Both Feet
The most common cause of peripheral neuropathy or foot numbness is diabetes. However other health problems like thyroid disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, chemotherapy, and alcohol or drug use.
As you can see, paying closer attention to issues with our feet can help us recognize symptoms of more serious health conditions. Conditions that may require further investigation and a visit to your local podiatrist.
For more information on injuries or any other facet of foot care, call (973) 365-2208. While on the line, request your appointment at our office located in Clifton, NJ today!