You might not be aware of it, but your feet are a good indicator and a diagnostic tool that your doctor can check to point out some health issues. It can give them some clues that will provide them with an idea about what is happening inside your body. But you do not have to be a doctor to tell if there is something wrong because you only need to look for some warning signs that will tell you what the real problem is.
What do your feet say about your health? If your feet are feeling numb or you are losing some toenail hairs, it might have something to do with blood flow. Or if you have dry and flaky skin, you might be having some thyroid issues.
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There are plenty of signs that your feet can show to know more about your overall health.In this article, you will find out some common symptoms that you experience with your feet and its meaning. It might be saying something you should be focusing on.
Things That Your Feet Tells You About Your Overall Health
Our feet have been an excellent diagnostic tool to check if you want to know about your overall health status. They can show some that will help you figure out if there’s something wrong that needs to be fixed. It is essential to look out for some warnings when it comes to your feet.
Dry And Flaky Skin
If you are experiencing some dry and flaky skin around your heel or on the ball of your foot, it might be a warning sign of thyroid problems. Your thyroid gland is responsible for controlling metabolic rate, your blood pressure, growth of your tissue, and other nervous system functions. Having dry skin in your feet might indicate an issue with your thyroid.
On the other hand, dry skin doesn’t necessarily link to thyroid issues. It can also be a result of many fewer health issues, and it just dries because of weather changes. But if you noticed that your skin is dry and you are having issues with weight gain, some numbness, or even vision problems. You might need to set up an appointment with your doctor.
Balding Toes
Hair in feet might only be more frequent and visible in men, and some women have some hairs on their toes too. It is not just visible enough compared to men’s hair.
If you noticed that there is a lack of hair or you are losing a little bit of hair, this could mean some issues with the blood flow in your body. One cause of insufficient supply of blood to the feet and toes is peripheral arterial diseases or PAD.
When there is a plague that builds up in your legs’ arteries, the flow of the blood can be restricted, and PAD will happen. If this is left untreated, it can lead to heart attacks, stroke, or can lead to amputation. If you think you have the PAD, immediately see a doctor.
There are a lot of ways to combat the symptoms of PAD by just changing your lifestyle. Avoid smoking, maintain a balanced diet, do some regular exercise, and manage other medical conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
Foot Numbness
Like the symptoms of toe baldness, foot numbness is associated with the lack of blood flow in the area. It can be a sign of PAD too, and you probably experienced it if you sat in one position for so long.
It can also happen if you fell asleep in a very weird and awkward manner. It should not be taken lightly if it occurs regularly or while you are doing about your day, it might be a problem that you should address.
Foot numbness is one of the most common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. And this is related to Type 2 Diabetes that affects millions of people. Diabetes complicates the flow of the blood in your feet, which means that wounds or cuts may take more time to heal and leave it prone to infection.
If you have irregular food numbness and wound in your feet that don’t seem to heal, you should see a doctor. Also, promote a healthier lifestyle in your routine, add some regular exercise, and eat healthy food to combat Type 2 Diabetes and other medical-related issues.
Black Spots and Lines Under Toenails
If you accidentally drop a heavy object onto your foot or someone steps on your toes, it is most likely that you will see some toenail discoloration. It appears a dark black discoloration under your toenails, and most of the time, this isn’t concerning as long as you know what caused it.
If you noticed some discoloration that is usually black or brown lines and you don’t remember injuring yourself, you might need to check with your doctor.
These dark, vertical lines can be a sign of melanoma. Another thing that is causing this discoloration is by a fungal infection. While this may be less severe than a potential cancer diagnosis, you should not take it lightly.
Morning Foot Pain
There are many instances where you wake up in the morning, and then there is a sudden jolt in your feet. This burning or shooting foot pain happens when you step out of bed and can indicate several potential issues. It can be a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis which inflames your joint and can cause pain in the small joints of your feet.
It is also possible that the reported pain is caused by plantar fasciitis, which is caused by the inflammation in the thick band of tissues that connects your toes to your heel. This band remains contracted state while you sleep, and when you take your first step, the tissues immediately stretch.
Another thing to consider is morning cramps, and it can be a sign of dehydration or lack of nutrients in your diet. Cramps happen when you do not have enough calcium, potassium, and magnesium in your body.
Treating Foot Problems
It is essential to take care of your feet and have your doctor check it regularly as it can show a lot of signs. These signs are beneficial for your overall health status and make sure you are healthy and do not have any type of illness.
Keep an eye on your soles, and fortunately enough, there are plenty of foot specialists who can diagnose and treat almost any foot-related issues. To keep your feet healthy and catch any concerns in the initial state, follow these essential tips for general feet care:
Keep Your Feet Dry
If you think about it, your feet are always covered most of the time in a dark and humid area. Always try to keep your feet dry to help prevent fungus infections. Always choose high-quality cotton for socks and use foot powder regularly.
Be Careful With Clippers
There are plenty of people of all ages who see their doctors for ingrown toenails. They are very painful and the most prone to bacteria and infection buildup. To avoid this kind of disaster, cut your nails straight at the tip of the toe. Try not to cut it too short or not with rounded corners.
Invest In More Comfortable Shoes
Your feet change over time, and it gets bigger and wider. Your arches flatten, your toe starts to curl. It is why it is imperative to make sure you have the right shoes on that will feel comfortable and have enough room for your feet to breathe.
Do not settle for less by forcing your feet to wear uncomfortable shoes. The right shoes should be comfortable when you fit in right at the store.
Make Sure The Salon Is Clean
If you decide to get on some manicure and pedicure, it is essential to choose a salon that properly cleans and sterilizes their equipment. It is recommended that they have a hospital-grade disinfectant for its foot baths. Poor salon sanitation can leave bacterias into your skin.
Check Those Toes
When you bath yourself, make sure to wash your feet regularly. Not only will this help your skin to feel healthy, but it is also an easy way to check for possible signs of feet problems. So make sure to give them some love and care and check for some cuts or dryness and hope you won’t find any ingrown toenails or other issues.
Conclusion
Overall, your feet can give you a pretty good idea about your overall health in general. It is an excellent diagnostic tool for you and your doctor to tell if there is something wrong. Some of the issues presented might be coincidental, you might have a dryness issue, but that doesn’t mean you have issues with your thyroid.
It is why it is best to leave all the judgment to your doctor. If you find some of the signs alarming, better check it with your doctor so they can provide you with better explanations and solutions.
