Pay Attention to Your Feet: What They Reveal About Your Health
When it comes to our health, subtle symptoms often go unnoticed. However, some changes—especially in our feet and toes—can signal it’s time to see a doctor.
Are You Overlooking Your Feet?
How often do you examine your feet and toes? They’re easy to overlook, but these parts of your body can reveal vital clues about your overall health.
Noel Wicks, pharmacist and advisor to Excilor, explained to Express the importance of foot health:
“We need to keep an eye on our foot health, including our toenails, because it can impact our overall health and signal serious health issues.”
Cold Feet and Numbness
Cold or numb feet are more than an inconvenience. Wicks noted that the tiny blood vessels supplying the feet can clog easily, leading to these sensations.
Changes in Toenails: A Red Flag
Keep an eye on your toenails. Thickening or brittle nails may indicate underlying heart disease. According to Wicks, these changes are worth discussing with your doctor.
What Is Peripheral Vascular Disease (PAD)?
PAD occurs when blood vessels narrow, block, or spasm. The NHS explains that many with PAD experience no symptoms. However, some may feel a painful ache in their legs during walking, which eases after rest—a condition called intermittent claudication.
Other symptoms of PAD include:
- Tingling or burning sensations.
- Pain in the legs or feet.
- Dry or cracked skin.
- Blisters or sores that don’t heal.
Fungal Infections and Yellow Toenails
Fungal infections, including athlete’s foot, can also indicate broader health issues. If your toenails turn yellow, it could signal diabetes or heart problems.
Take Action
Any noticeable change in your feet—or elsewhere on your body—deserves attention. Seek medical advice promptly to address potential health concerns early.
Share and Stay Informed
Share this article with your family and friends to spread awareness about the warning signs our feet may reveal. Don’t ignore what your body is trying to tell you!
