What Your Feet Have to Say About Your Health
Our feet can be the key to better health. In fact, our feet may also tell us more about our health than we thought. Carolyn McAloon, DPM, a Bay Area podiatrist and president of the California Podiatric Medication Association tells Prevention.com, “Our feet are the first parts to be affected by nerve issues because they’re the farthest from our hearts and spine”. Here is what your feet could be saying about your health.
Feet and Toes Sans Hair
It may seem like a dream come true to have hairless feet, rather than dealing with hobbit feet. However, the lack of hair on your feet could be a serious sign of circulation problems. Bring up your concerns with your doctor to have them check the pulse in your feet. Your heart may not be pumping well enough.
Dealing With Foot Cramps
Too many foot cramps can be due to dehydration and nutritional deficiencies. Try drinking more water, and make sure you are getting enough potassium, calcium, and magnesium in your diet. These three nutrients can cause muscle cramping if your body is deficient of them. If your feet are still cramping frequently after adding these to your diet, consult your doctor. Your cramping could be due to nerve damage or circulation problems.
A Sore That Won’t Go Away
If you have a sore on your foot that won’t seem to heal, then this could be a big red flag for diabetes. Uncontrolled glucose levels can contribute to nerve damage. It is best to get these sores looked at.
For Feet That Are Always Cold
If you can’t seem to get your feet to warm up, then you might have hypothyroidism. This means that your thyroid is sluggish and it can cause a lot of issues, such as hair loss, fatigue, and unexplained weight gain.
An Engorged Big Toe
If you notice that your big toe looks even bigger than usual, then you may have an issue with gout or inflammation. If you experience sudden red and swollenness of a toe means you should seek medical help immediately.
Numbness
There are many causes for numbness in the feet. It could be something as minor as a pinched nerve due to wearing too tight of shoes for many years. It could also be something a little more serious, such as a condition known as peripheral neuropathy, caused most commonly by diabetes, chronic alcoholism, or a side effect of chemotherapy.
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