Your feet do not just help in locomotion; they reveal a lot about your health! The feet can tell what is going on inside your body, so whenever you notice something unusual, do not ignore it.
Here, we are going to discuss ten subtle signs of serious underlying health problems your feet can reveal.
Ulcers on Your Feet that Do Not Heal
Non-healing ulcers on your feet are an essential sign of uncontrolled diabetes and diabetic neuropathy, a complication of uncontrolled diabetes. They can also occur due to vascular problems. You should see your doctor if you notice anything like that. Delay in treatment can cause an increase in the size of ulcers that can even lead to amputation in the future!
Your Shoes are Getting Tighter
Swelling of the feet is an important sign that says a lot about your cardiac health. Pedal edema (the accumulation of fluid in the feet and lower legs) is generally encountered in heart diseases as well as kidney diseases. So, if your shoes are getting tighter, then you should see your doctor and get your tests done.
Your Skin is Dry, and Even Moisturizer Does Not Help
Skin changes can occur as a result of many diseases. One such condition is the thyroid hormone imbalance in which skin dryness and flakiness are experienced commonly. A moisturizer will only work if you will get treated for the root cause of this dryness, so do not delay your doctor’s visit.
Your Toes Turn Blue and Cold When Exposed to Lower Temperatures
In medical terms, this manifestation is known as Raynaud’s phenomenon. It occurs due to abnormal constriction of the blood vessels in your toes due to cold exposure. Raynaud’s phenomenon can occur independently or due to some systemic disease, such as SLE or scleroderma.
Your Toenails are Curving Downwards with Time
Yes, it can happen, and it is known as clubbing in medical terms. Clubbing is a sign of various serious diseases, especially those involving the lung and the heart. It signifies that your body is not getting enough oxygen due to some disease affecting your lungs, heart, or liver. Sometimes, clubbing runs in the family without any disease, so this possibility should not be ignored.
Your Feet are Itchy and Flakey, Especially Between Your Toes
This can be a sign of a fungal infection that is not uncommon. It usually involves your toe webs, and you feel excessively itchy while your skin flakes off. Immediately see your doctor and do not share your shoes with anyone because it can spread.
You Just Noticed that Your Pigmented Spot is Increasing in Size
While most of these pigmented spots are harmless, an increase in size is a warning sign. This signifies the presence of cancer called melanoma. So, if you notice any change in size, shape, color, or margins of a pigmented skin lesion, do not delay a hospital visit.
Your Nails are Getting Thick and Yellow
This is a subtle sign of fungal infection affecting your nails. Such an infection is quite common among diabetics and people who wear tight shoes for a long time. It can even split the nail and cause it to come off. Oral anti-fungal medications help.
You Woke Up with a Painful Big Toe
Waking up with a swollen, red, hot, and painful red toe in the middle of the night or the morning may indicate that your serum uric acid level is high. Uric acid gets frequently deposited in the big toe, and excruciating pain is experienced.
You Feel Abnormal Sensations in Your Feet
Sometimes, you might experience pain, pins and needles sensation, and other abnormal feelings in your feet. These are the signs of peripheral nerve involvement called peripheral neuropathy. This happens secondary to some nutrient deficiency or disease.
Ignoring any changes in your feet can be harmful.
Seeing your doctor as soon as you notice a possible sign of the disease is a wise decision.
