Eight things your feet can tell you about your health - from skin cancer to diabetes
A podiatrist is urging people not to neglect their feet as they can do much more than just be used for standing, walking and running. If you pay enough attention they can also be a huge indicator of your overall health.
It turns out that your feet can show signs of many major undiagnosed health problems, including stroke, diabetes, heart disease and melanoma. Thankfully, podiatrist Emma McConnachie, has revealed the signs to look out for.
Podiatrists - previously known as chiropodists - are experts on feet and lower limbs. They are able to spot a variety of serious health conditions just by looking at your feet. Emma, who is a spokesperson for the Royal College of Podiatry, explains: "Podiatrists go much further than dealing with ingrown toenails, corns and verrucae.
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“As well as carrying out minor surgery, working to prevent amputations and issuing medication such as antibiotics, they can detect a wide range of health problems via signs in your feet. We delve into some of the things your feet might be trying to tell you.”
So what health problems can show up in your feet?
1. Circulation problems
Signs of circulatory issues include observing a pronounced swelling in your feet or a mottled colouring - unusual patches, spots or blotches. Emma said: "Changes may occur in only one limb or in both. If you notice any changes in the size or colour of your feet and ankles, then contact your GP or podiatrist."
She advises that you should make sure your feet and legs are well insulated in warm clothing during the winter months as temperatures drop. She added: “There are many circulatory conditions which can also cause a change to the temperature of your lower limbs, so if you notice a sudden and prolonged change in the temperature of one or both of your feet and legs, speak to your podiatrist or GP to get the issue checked out."
2. Heart disease, diabetes or neurological conditions
One key sign of many different health conditions is changes to the sensations in your feet, such as tingling or numbness. The nerve endings in your feet may stop working properly through heavy smoking and alcohol consumption, or from conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
Emma also explained that neurological conditions and trauma can affect the way your nerves work as you may be unable to tell if you are injured or have a wound. By being unable to tell, you are greatly increasing your likelihood of infection or amputation.
She suggests: “Try to note where in your feet you’re getting the changes, and if anything makes it worse or better. How would you describe the feeling and how often is it happening? This can help your podiatrist assess your issues and work towards a diagnosis.”
3. Kidney or liver problems, hormonal changes or skin issues
Itchy feet can be more than just a sign that you aren't moisturising your feet enough. It can also be a sign of fungal infection, hormonal changes or, more seriously, it could indicate that you are having kidney or liver issues.
“Certain prescription medications have also been reported to cause itching in the feet and legs as a side-effect, and small fluid-filled lesions associated with dermatological conditions may also be the cause.”
4. Melanoma
While trauma or a fungal infection are normally the cause of the majority of discoloured nails, Emma stresses that melanoma under the nail accounts for up to 3.5 percent of melanomas worldwide. In addition, 90 percent of these are seen in the thumb or big toe.
She explains: “Melanomas can affect any skin tone and will often appear as a darker discolouration under the nail which doesn’t grow out with the nail. With the average toenail taking at least six months to grow out, this can make it harder to know if it’s moving, as the mark may appear on your nail for some time.”
If you are concerned that this is something you may have, it is advised that you speak to a podiatrist and take a close-up photo of the toe nail for reference to help see if it is growing out.
5. Dehydration, blood pressure, cardiovascular or thyroid problems
The skin is the largest organ in the body and one sign of a variety of health problems is if the skin on your feet begins to flake or crack.
Emma said: "Dehydration can cause the skin to become less supple, but underlying medical conditions such as issues with blood pressure, cardiovascular conditions and thyroid problems can all have an effect on your skin in your feet and legs."
6. Auto-immune conditions
Auto-immune conditions, such as psoriasis, can impact your feet and nails, while many cases of flaking and cracked skin will be the result of athlete's foot or a lack of moisturising. However, it is advised that if you are routinely moisturising your feet for a couple of weeks and do not see an improvement, or have increased itching or lesions, then you need to speak to an expert.
7. Neurological conditions including strokes
A wider health problem can also show signs through sudden changes to the shape of your feet. Emma explained: "These would typically be where the foot becomes more ‘clawed’ after a traumatic or neurological issue, for example a stroke, which can cause the foot to change shape suddenly."
Conditions that can cause you to lose sensation in your feet, such as diabetes, can also lead to changes in foot shape - otherwise known as Charcot foot.
8. Pernicious anaemia or type 2 diabetes
If you are experiencing recurring fungal infection, bacterial infections or sometimes ingrowing toenail problems that have still not been resolved after treatment, then this could be a sign of a bigger issue.
“Your podiatrist may discuss further testing with your GP where they have a concern about your general health. Conditions such as type 2 diabetes and pernicious anaemia where there may not be other obvious symptoms can sometimes present this way.”
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