10 Warning Signs Your Feet Send About Your Health That You Shouldn’t Ignore
10 Warning Signs Your Feet Send About Your Health That You Shouldn’t Ignore
Your feet are the window into your health status. You can determine the number of possible health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and kidney disease. If you listen to your feet, you can help to prevent serious health problems.
Cold feet
Hypothyroidism is often a culprit of cold feet. Hypothyroidism can also lead to depression, hair loss, fatigue and weight gain. If you often have cold feet, see a doctor.
Cramping
Foot cramping may be an indication of dehydration or it could also mean that you have various nutritional deficiencies. Always drink enough water. Nutritional deficiencies could be due to a lack of calcium, magnesium or potassium.
Chronic Sores and Wounds
If you have a sore that will not go away on the bottom of your foot, this could be an indication of diabetes. If you have wounds that will not heal, check for skin cancer. Skin cancer can develop anywhere; therefore, be sure to check your feet at the dermatologist, as well.
Enlarged Big Toe
If your big toe becomes enlarged, you could have inflammatory issues or even gout. You might also have an infection. If your toe becomes red and hot, you should see a doctor.
Loss of Hair on Toes
If you lose the hair on your toes suddenly, this may indicate that you have circulation issues. You should pay close attention to your circulation as it is directly related to the condition of your heart.
Numbness
The sensation of numbness is associated with several potential issues. If both feet are feeling numb, it may be related to alcoholism, chemotherapy or diabetes. If one foot is numb, it could simply be a pinched nerve.
RELATED ARTICLE: What Your Cold Hands And Feet Might Be Telling You
Pitted Toenails
If you have little holes in the nails of your toes, you may have psoriasis or arthritis. These holes can either be shallow or deep. It will vary from person to person. Another sign could be that your toenails will become thicker.
Scaling and Itching
If the skin on your feet itch, peel or appear to be scaling, you could have a fungus infection. This is one of the easiest feet concerns to address with over-the-counter medicine. You could also be suffering from eczema or psoriasis.
Sore Toe Joints
Sore toe joints are often a sign of arthritis. The joints of your toes and hands may be the first indication of arthritis. You may also experience additional symptoms such as stiffness and swelling.
Yellow Toenails
Yellow toenails are also a possible sign of a fungal infection, particularly if the additional symptoms of flaking and brittleness are present. Keep in mind that the yellowness of toenails can also occur naturally with age or when people use toenail polish for too long without a break.
Treat your feet well as they are your medical barometer to good health. If you pay attention to the state of your feet, you can prevent a number of serious health issues for years to come.
Prevention.com Time.com Nlm.nih.gov