Did you know that your foot health can give you a glimpse into the health of your body? By examining your feet, you may actually be able to prevent or treat serious health conditions that may easily be overlooked.
If you have severe or intense pain in your feet, you need to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist. There are other signs to look for on your feet that can be a warning sign or symptom from other conditions in your body.
Flaky and Dry Skin
Many people assume that if your skin is dry, flaky and cracking on your foot that it’s simply dry skin. Sometimes, that’s true. However, thyroid problems can cause dry skin on your feet. If you have dry skin and have other symptoms such as numbness in your hands, gaining weight for no reason or trouble with your vision, it’s important to make an appointment with your primary care physician.
Toes Turning White or Blue
When your toes turn blue, black, purple or white, this could indicate Raynaud’s disease. Although not life-threatening, this could indicate other health problems. The discoloration of your toes could be caused by a narrowing of your arteries. This could be from being cold which is nothing to be concerned about. This could also be a symptom of more serious diseases such as lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis.
Clubbed Toenails
Clubbed Toenails are rounded and curved down around the toe. Although this could be hereditary, if you suddenly start seeing clubbed toenails, this could be a side effect of heart disease, liver disorders, lung disease and digestive disorders.
Feet Swelling
If you sit or stand too long, your feet may swell up. However, if you have swollen feet all the time, this could be a symptom of kidney problems, underactive thyroid, or poor circulation to name a few.
Black Lines or Spots on Feet or Toenails
When your foot experiences trauma from hitting it off of something or something heavy falling onto it, the nail will become discolored. But if you see black lines under your toenails without other discoloration, this could be a symptom of melanoma or a fungal infection.
Small black spots similar to moles may also be a symptom of melanoma. You should see a doctor right away to get these symptoms examined.
Hair Loss on Your Toes
We all have hair on our toes but if yours is disappearing this could indicate insufficient blood flow to your feet. This could be caused by peripheral arterial disease, which could lead to a heart attack, stroke or even foot amputation. Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss this symptom.
Sores That Don’t Heal
A healthy body will heal itself. When you hurt or cut your foot, it normally doesn’t take long for it to heal. However, if you have a cut on your foot and it doesn’t heal, this is a tell-tale sign of diabetes. You could also suffer from poor circulation which can be a symptom of other serious diseases.
Yellow Toenails
Your toenail will become thick and yellow if you have a fungal infection. Constant fungal infections are a symptom of lung problems, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis or lymphedema.
Your Toenails are Spoon Shaped
If your toenails become injured, this could cause your nail to become concaved. However, if you haven’t injured your toenail, this could indicate an iron deficiency.
White Toenails
This is when the nail separates from the bed and it looks white. This could be caused by an infection of the nail, an injury or psoriasis. If the nail has not separated this could indicate congestive heart failure or kidney or liver disease.
Pitted Toenails
Pitted toenails usually occur in people who have psoriasis. This is caused by nail not growing correctly at the plate of the nail.
Take a few minutes each day to look closely at your feet. This is a great way to check for any serious health issues and possibly, nip them in the bud. Anytime you see anything unusual in your feet, you should call a doctor right away.