What do your feet say about your health? Take a look at what some of the following signs and symptoms could mean for your overall health.
Hairless toes
Although you may find hair on your toes unsightly, lack of hair suggests a problem with circulation. Hair follicles require a constant supply of blood to stay healthy and rooted in your skin, so lack of hair could mean that your toes aren’t getting enough blood supply.
Cold feet
If your feet always feel cold, even if you’re wearing socks and slippers and have covered your feet with a blanket, you could be suffering from hypothyroidism, which is a condition in which your thyroid glands are unable to produce certain hormones. Since hypothyroidism is linked to hormonal imbalance, the condition can cause you to experience fatigue, depression, sudden weight gain, and hair loss.
Foot cramps
Cramping in your feet usually indicates that you’re dehydrated and lack potassium in your diet. If your feet cramp up on a regular basis, make a point to drink more water and eat potassium-rich foods throughout the day, such as bananas and papayas.
Sores that won’t heal
Sores that haven’t healed, or that don’t heal fast enough could be a sign of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes can increase your risk for nerve damage and diabetic neuropathy, and could result in your not being able to feel foot injuries when they occur.
Swollen ankles
Swollen ankles can indicate a problem with your kidneys. When your kidneys aren’t in top health, they can cause fluid retention in your body, and since many people spend the majority of hours on their feet, excess fluid can build up in your ankles and feet.
Numbness and tingling
If your feet often grow numb, and you feel a tingling sensation of pins and needles from time to time, you could have type 2 diabetes. Feelings of numbness and tingling could also indicate problems with your circulation. If you experience numbness and tingling, visit your podiatrist as soon as possible so he or she can evaluate your feet and help identify the underlying cause of your problem.
Heel pain
Sudden, sharp pain that originates at the back of your feet could indicate plantar fasciitis, which happens when the band of tissue that connects your heel to your toes triggers inflammation. Heel pain can often be prevented by stretching regularly and wearing comfortable shoes, but could also be a sign of irregular bone structure in your feet.
Are your feet exhibiting one or more of the symptoms above? Call Kansas City Foot Specialists to schedule an evaluation at (913) 338-4440, or request an appointment online so we can determine the cause of your injury and get you back on your feet.
