It’s important to take care of your feet, not only to prevent issues to that part of your body (obviously) but also for your health in general. As weird as it sounds, your feet say a lot about how your system is operating and gives insight into your overall well-being! Your feet can share valuable clues about underlying health conditions, for example, nerve damage and circulation issues. With about 87% of people experiencing foot issues, it’s best to know what these problems are really saying.

Here are three conditions that your feet may be giving you clues about.

1. Arthritis

53.2 million adults aged fifty and above have arthritis, and some signs of this condition include inflammation of the joints, stiffness, pain, and a reduced range of motion. The reason arthritis is prevalent in older adults is due to the changes that occur in the bones and joints as you age. However, in rare cases, young people can also have the condition.

Arthritis can affect any joint in the body, but the signs are usually in the legs and feet. It can lead to bunions, hammertoes, and bone spurs, which are classified as deformities in medical circles. Of course, not every ache and pain in your feet will be diagnosed as arthritis, as many other podiatric conditions mimic it. That is why healthcare professionals look for specific clues.

2. Circulatory Issues

Swelling in the lower extremities is usually associated with circulatory problems. When the veins in the legs fail to return blood to the heart, it results in the pooling of blood in your legs, ankles, and feet. As a result of that, blood gathers in a specific area of the body, causing skin changes, discolorations, and discomfort. Meanwhile, the pressure on the veins’ valves may cause them to enlarge and twist, leading to a condition known as varicose veins.

If you’re noticing any of these issues, especially in your feet or ankles, it’s best to see a doctor and book an appointment a vein clinic as well. Your physician(s) will likely evaluate you to determine any underlying reason(s) for your circulation problems.

TLDR; it’s best to take action immediately.

3. Diabetes

Your body fails to metabolize glucose properly when you have diabetes, and that contributes to elevated blood sugar levels. This chronic condition can have serious consequences for foot health if you fail to stick to measures to keep your sugar levels under control. Also, nerve damage or neuropathy is common in uncontrolled diabetes, and another result of that is poor circulation. These two conditions increase the risk of foot ulcers or open sores that fail to heal due to the disease.

Moreover, the risk of foot ulcers becoming infected is incredibly high when left untreated. Before that happens, however, you are likely to experience persistent tingling, numbness, or burning sensations in one or both feet. Poor circulation in the affected area may also result in cold feet and hair loss on that part. Diabetic foot complications require prompt medical action, as any delays are likely to mar treatment outcomes.

It’s important to recognize what your feet say about your health, so don’t just brush off pain or issues! Best case scenario, it’s something minor, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

 

Featured Image Credit: Apostolos Vamvouras