The feet support the weight of our body daily, the high-impact activities that we carry out, and even the poor choice of footwear that we sometimes make. But in addition to all this, they can reflect if we are suffering from a health problem through their appearance, temperature, or some changes that it is important to detect. The truth is that this area of the body has much more to tell than you might imagine; that is why at FastlyHealwe, explain in detail what your feet say about your health so that you can discover some common pathologies through their appearance.
Table of Contents
Swollen feet: circulation problems and fluid retention
Swollen feet are a widespread problem, especially during the hottest months, being more common in women than in men. If you have noticed that your feet are more swollen than usual, they could be trying to warn you of the presence of venous insufficiency, which is commonly known as circulation problems. If you have varicose veins or suffer from heavy legs, this is likely the cause of your swollen feet, so it is recommended to visit a doctor to improve blood circulation.
Swollen feet during the summer are equally shared, as the heat dilates the blood vessels and leads to an increase in fluids in the body and this condition.
Fluid retention is also a common cause of swollen feet; this may reflect a problem with your kidneys, a diet high in salt, and poor hydration. To control this problem, eat a low-salt diet, drink at least 2 liters of water a day, avoid wearing tight clothing and increase frequent physical activity; this will help you improve your general health and fight against this problem.
Very hot feet can reveal various problems.
Many people complain of feeling scalding hands and feet, a problem that can have a variety of causes depending on the symptoms. The truth is that if you have the feeling that your feet are hotter than usual, it is essential to pay attention to the possible causes and see a specialist as the case may be.
This condition is usually presented by:
- Peripheral neuropathy occurs when the nerves do not send the signals to our brain and spinal cord properly, which causes a sensation of more excellent heat in a specific area, although it is not real. If your feet feel hot, but when touched, they are at the same temperature as the rest of your body, this may be the cause.
- Warning symptoms for obese or diabetic people. The heat in the feet can indicate vascular damage, so it is essential to visit your doctor.
- Very hot feet in women also suggest that the period is coming, as it is a sign of hormonal changes.
- The excess stress can also produce it; if you’ve been very upset lately is time to calm down before your health is affected.
Icy feet: thyroid problem or anemia
If you’ve always had cold feet no matter what time of year you’re in, this likely indicates that your metabolism is slow and your body temperature is usually low. However, if you suddenly start to suffer from cold feet despite having them adequately wrapped, the cause could point to a thyroid problem or persistent or significant anemia.
In addition to cold feet, you notice symptoms such as weight gain or loss without apparent cause, mood swings, irritability, or nervousness; it is essential to visit your doctor to rule out thyroid conditions such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Similarly, if you feel very tired, sleepy, and listless, it could be anemia, a condition that also requires a medical consultation.
Swelling and pain in the big toe: possible gout
Uric acid is standard in our body; this occurs when the purines present in the body or ingested through ingredients such as red meat, seafood, specific vegetables, or alcohol are broken down to be eliminated through the urine. If uric acid values are higher than usual, then the body cannot stop it properly, causing it to build up and can lead to a condition known as gout.
The main symptom of gout is reflected precisely in our feet: inflammation, redness, a sensation of heat, tension, and pain at the base of the big toe and the bunion area. This is due to the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joint of this finger, a condition that deserves medical attention. A simple blood test will suffice to confirm the excess uric acid, in which case a strict low-purine diet must be carried out to reduce it and guarantee our health.
Hair loss on the feet: cardiovascular problems
If you notice that your feet have suddenly stopped having hairs or the hairiness in this area has been significantly reduced, it is time to see a general practitioner or a cardiologist, as you most likely have a significant circulation problem.
Because the blood does not circulate properly to the extremities, the hair on them ends up detaching and disappearing; this could indicate a circulatory problem that is also affecting your heart without your knowing it.
Cracked heels: our intestines have difficulties
Some people are prone to cracking their heels, even when they wear suitable footwear or expose them very little. If this is your case, it is time to check the health of your intestine, as it may not be well. Conditions such as irritable bowel, Crohn’s disease, intestinal bacteria, or poor digestion could cause these problems.
Lack of sensation in the feet: watch out for diabetes!
If you have noticed that you have wounds on your feet that you had not even seen and that when you touch the area, it does not have the sensitivity of before, it is time to check your sugar levels and visit your doctor immediately. Diabetes, especially one that is not treated correctly, can lead to various complications, one of which is diabetic neuropathy, leading to loss of sensation in the extremities.
If your sugar is perfect, it is very likely that the problem is orthopedic and that you do not distribute the weight of your body correctly on your feet, which ends up affecting the nerve. A podiatrist is a suitable professional to help you.
Nail changes: infections or lack of nutrients
Our toenails can also reflect our general health. If they change color and you begin to notice them yellowish or brownish, it is likely a fungal infection, a condition that requires rapid treatment to prevent its progression. Other conditions such as psoriasis could cause nails to appear yellow and pitted or holes, which is essential for visiting the doctor.
And if the problem is that your nails look cracked and weak, it is probably a deficiency of vitamin A, D, or essential fatty acids. Improving your diet and giving your body all the nutrients it needs will help you fight this condition.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.