Changes in your feet could signal underlying health issues, from diabetes to heart disease, experts warn. Many people overlook foot symptoms, but they can be early indicators of serious conditions.
A cut on the foot that fails to heal may be a sign of diabetes. The National Institute of Health explains that diabetes can reduce blood flow to the feet, making sores and infections difficult to heal. Neuropathy, a complication of diabetes, can cause numbness and tingling in the feet.
Cold feet, leg numbness, painful cramping, and shiny skin on the legs could indicate heart disease or peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The NHS notes that PAD symptoms include hair loss on legs, brittle toenails, and ulcers that do not heal.
Hypothyroidism can cause foot pain and swelling, particularly in post-menopausal women. The Advanced Foot and Ankle of Wisconsin LLC states that tarsal tunnel syndrome, similar to carpal tunnel, can cause burning or numbness in the feet.
Anaemia, especially iron deficiency, may lead to cold hands and feet even in warm weather, according to the Texas Medical Institute. Athlete's foot, a fungal infection, causes an itchy, scaly rash and is contagious.
