As winter tightens its grip across the UK, bringing with it the familiar need for warm socks and cosy baths, many of us will experience the common sensation of cold feet. However, according to a prominent NHS doctor, this seemingly minor discomfort could be signalling something far more serious about our overall health.
Five Critical Foot Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
Dr Amir Khan, a regular on ITV and a doctor with the NHS, has issued an important health warning to his 785,000 Instagram followers. He emphasised that while cold feet are common in chilly weather, persistent coldness, along with other specific symptoms, could point to underlying circulatory problems such as peripheral vascular disease.
"I know the thought of feet turns a lot of people off but your feet can give you clues to your health from pain, swelling to numbness," Dr Khan stated, before detailing five key signs that warrant medical attention.
1. Persistent Cold Feet or Toes
If your feet or toes are constantly cold, it might not just be the winter weather. Dr Khan explains this could indicate a problem with the very small blood vessels in your feet, restricting blood flow. This symptom can be a sign of poorly controlled diabetes, high cholesterol, and is more common in individuals who smoke.
2. A Burning or Tingling Pain
A sensation of burning or tingling in the feet could be a warning sign of peripheral neuropathy, a condition involving nerve damage. The doctor highlighted that this is often linked to poorly controlled diabetes, but can also occur due to low B12 or folic acid levels, thyroid disease, high alcohol consumption, and as a side effect of certain medications.
3. Pain in the Bottom of Your Foot
Discomfort in the sole of your foot, particularly when walking, might suggest plantar fasciitis, an inflammatory condition. Dr Khan described this as a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, caused by inflammation of the tissue underneath the foot. He also noted that a similar pain, feeling like there's a stone in your shoe, could indicate a less obvious stress fracture in one of the foot bones.
4. A Sore or Ulcer That Won't Heal
Dr Khan stressed that this fourth sign is "really important." If you develop a sore or ulcer on your foot that does not heal, you must get it checked by a professional. Such stubborn wounds can sometimes be a sign of certain skin cancers. Furthermore, wounds require good blood flow, oxygen, and nutrition to heal properly, and a failure to do so can indicate broader issues.
5. Unexplained Swollen Feet
While swollen feet can be a common complaint, especially after long periods of standing or during summer months, Dr Khan advises caution. He remarked that puffiness can also be linked to problems with your liver, kidneys, or even your heart. Other potential causes include being overweight, pregnancy, or taking certain medicines. "I would always get unexplained swelling checked," he concluded.
Why Foot Health is a Window to Your Overall Wellbeing
Dr Amir Khan's insights underscore a critical message in preventative healthcare: our extremities, like our feet, often provide the earliest warnings of systemic health issues. From circulatory conditions to nutritional deficiencies and organ function, paying attention to these five signs could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of potentially serious diseases. As the temperature drops, this warning serves as a timely reminder to look beyond the cold and listen to what our bodies are telling us.
