Did you know that your feet can display important clues to your health?
Our podiatrists here at Your Next Step are like that famous detective Sherlock Holmes. Every day we greet patients and examine them for all kinds of foot problems. But at the same time we observe signs that may indicate problems with the patient’s overall health, from impaired circulation to dehydration and even lung disease.
Often the first signs of serious health issues appear in changes that may make your feet look or feel different. Catching these early may even save your life! Because your feet are the furthest part from your heart, symptoms of circulation-related problems usually appear here first.
Watch for Foot Irregularities that May Be a Sign of a more Serious Problem
Cold feet. If your feet are constantly cold, it could mean that your thyroid is not producing enough of certain important hormones. This condition called hypothyroidism can also cause fatigue, depression and hair loss.
Dry, flaky skin. Dry skin can mean a problem elsewhere in the body such as an allergic reaction. Nerve damage or diabetic neuropathy can also cause dry skin.
Foot cramps. These painful muscle contractions can be a sign of dehydration or a lack of important minerals like potassium. Drinking plenty of water and eating a banana a day can restore balance to your body’s hydration.
Hairless toes. Toe hair may fall off if your toes are not getting enough circulated blood, which could point to a circulation problem.
Numbness or tingling. Frequent numbness or feeling pins and needles in your feet may be another sign of diabetes.
Red or swollen big toe. Gout, a type of arthritis, often appears in a bloated and tender big toe and is caused by uric acid build up in the body.
Rounded toes. Lung cancer, cystic fibrosis and pulmonary disease sometimes cause this deformity of the nails and toe tips.
Swollen ankles. Kidney trouble can cause fluid to build up especially in the ankles.
Unhealed sores. Sores that won’t go away may point to diabetes.
A Complete Foot Exam Can Resolve Foot Problems and Possibly Catch Other Health Issues
Often Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich and Dr. Aliza V. Eisen, board certified and qualified podiatrists, uncover other health problems when addressing foot pain. We will discuss your foot problem with you as well as any general health issues we uncover. Call us today for an appointment at one of our convenient offices in Ardmore, Paoli or Downingtown. You’ll find our contact information through our website. Just like Sherlock Holmes, we’ll investigate what your feet are trying to tell us about your foot and overall health.