Swollen feet and ankles can sometimes indicate underlying health issues such as heart, kidney or liver problems, according to a pharmacist. Rachel Jones, pharmacy superintendent at Superdrug, says persistent changes to your feet can be an early sign of an underlying health condition.
What your feet can reveal
Jones explained: "Your feet can reveal a surprising amount about your health. While dry skin or the occasional ache is usually nothing to worry about, persistent changes to your feet can sometimes be an early sign of an underlying health condition. The key is knowing what's normal for you and recognising when something changes."
She notes that while many foot issues are harmless and easy to treat, some warrant examination by a medical professional.
Swelling and cold feet
Swelling after a long day on your feet, travelling or during pregnancy is usually nothing to worry about. However, Jones said: "Swelling that appears suddenly, only affects one foot, or doesn't improve after rest could be a sign of an underlying issue such as poor circulation, a blood clot or heart, kidney or liver problems. If the swelling is persistent or accompanied by pain, redness or breathlessness, it's important to seek medical advice."
Cold feet are not always caused by chilly weather. Jones said: "They can simply be down to poor circulation on a cold day, but if your feet are consistently cold, particularly if it's accompanied by pain when walking, numbness or changes in skin colour, it could be a sign of reduced circulation from a thyroid disorder or peripheral arterial disease."
People with diabetes may also experience cold feet due to nerve damage or circulation problems. Superdrug offers a Diabetes Blood Test that can assess blood sugar levels over the past two to three months.
Other warning signs
Changes to toenails, such as thickened, yellow or brittle nails, are commonly caused by a fungal infection that is treatable. But Jones warned: "A dark streak that appears without injury should always be assessed by a healthcare professional, as in rare cases it can be a sign of skin cancer under the nail."
Frequent numbness, tingling or burning sensations in the feet can be associated with nerve damage, particularly in people with diabetes, but can also be linked to vitamin deficiencies or other neurological conditions. Persistent pain, especially around the base of the big toe, could be caused by a bunion, which can make walking uncomfortable. Itchy or peeling skin between the toes could be athlete's foot, a common fungal infection that is usually easy to treat.
Superdrug provides thyroid, diabetes and general health blood tests for those with concerns.
