A general practitioner reminds us that the feet are excellent indicators of our general state of health.
It’s time to pay more attention to our feet! Walking barefoot, in flip-flops, at the beach… In the summer, our feet are more exposed to minor injuries. But the good news is that it’s also the ideal time to take a closer look at them. Foot health is too often neglected according to specialists. However, a general practitioner reminds us that they are excellent indicators of your general state of health.
Dr Ashrafi, interviewed by the English newspaper Gloucestershire Live, gave some advice and important signs to look out for. According to him, one of the most telling signs is the discolouration of the feet. Blue or purple feet are not only a sign of cold or a bad cold. They can also indicate poor circulation or cardiovascular problems.
Conversely, red feet can be the result of an allergic reaction, especially if this redness is accompanied by itching, swelling or a rash. In case of itching, the symptoms of a foot fungus, often caused by excess moisture, for example between the toes, should also be monitored.
Numbness and tingling in the feet, often described as “pins and needles,” may seem common and harmless to most people. But they can also be a sign of more serious health issues! If these sensations persist, they may be a sign of diabetic neuropathy, a type of nerve damage that occurs in people with diabetes. So, it’s a good idea to see a doctor if you experience these symptoms regularly.
Swelling in the feet is another important sign. In the case of a foot or ankle injury, edema, a swelling caused by the accumulation of fluid in the body, can form in the legs and feet. If left untreated, edema can lead to increasing pain and difficulty walking. Persistent swelling, accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue and a rapid or irregular heartbeat, can also be a sign of heart failure, warns the GP.
Changes in the skin and toenails are also something to look out for. Deformed, thick, and yellow toenails may suggest a fungal infection. This is most often easily resolved with antifungal treatments. Dry, cracked heels are often caused by long periods of standing on hard surfaces or wearing improper footwear. Less commonly, cracks may indicate hypothyroidism, which is an underactive thyroid gland.
Among other signs to watch for, abnormal pain in the feet for no apparent reason can be a sign of minor bone fractures or bone loss. Finally, the last little peculiarity to watch for according to podiatrists, the disappearance of hair on the toes, especially on the big toe, can reflect a blood circulation problem or diabetes.
If in doubt, seek the advice of your GP if you notice any of these signs. A healthcare professional will not only be able to reassure, but also diagnose and suggest appropriate treatment in the event of a proven pathology. A precise diagnosis can also be offered by a podiatrist. Last piece of advice, do not neglect the health of your feet and pamper them. They are good indicators of your state of health. Apart from any pathology, good foot hygiene, wearing quality shoes and regular care can protect our feet as much as possible.