Can Your Feet Indicate Your Health Issues? 7 Key Things You Should Know About

Our feet often get overlooked when it comes to health, but they can reveal a lot about what’s happening inside our bodies. From circulation issues to signs of diabetes, your feet can serve as early warning signals for several health conditions. Dr Akhilesh Yadav, Associate Director – Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement, Max Hospital, Vaishali shared some key signs to watch for and what they could mean:

7 Key Signs Feet Reveals

Here are the key signs you should look for:

Cold Feet Or Toes

Dr Akhilesh highlighted that if your feet or toes often feel cold, it could indicate poor circulation. Conditions like peripheral artery disease (PAD) or hypothyroidism may reduce blood flow, making your extremities feel chilly. Persistent cold feet should prompt a visit to your doctor, especially if accompanied by numbness or colour changes.

Swelling (Edema)

According to Dr Akhilesh, swollen feet and ankles may result from standing for long periods, but if the swelling is persistent, it could signal underlying issues such as heart failure, kidney disease, or venous insufficiency. Pregnant women and those with high blood pressure should be especially mindful of swelling.

Numbness Or Tingling

Dr Akhilesh said a constant feeling of pins and needles could be a sign of nerve damage, known as peripheral neuropathy. This is commonly associated with diabetes but can also result from vitamin deficiencies, alcohol abuse, or autoimmune diseases.

Discoloured Toenails

According to Dr Akhilesh, healthy toenails should be pink with a white crescent at the base. Yellow, thickened nails may point toward fungal infections, while dark streaks or spots under the nail could be signs of trauma or, in rare cases, melanoma.

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Cracked Heels And Dry Skin

Cracked heels are often caused by dehydration or lack of moisture. However, persistent dryness and cracking can signal conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or thyroid disorders.

Clubbing Of Toes

Clubbing — when the tips of the toes enlarge and the nails curve around them — may indicate lung disease, heart conditions, or even gastrointestinal disorders.

Pain In The Heel Or Arch

Persistent heel or arch pain could point toward plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, or flat feet. These conditions can worsen if ignored, affecting your mobility and posture.

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Keep an eye on your feet for your physical well-being.

Image Courtesy: Freepik