Maybe you don’t know that your feet can reveal almost anything you want to know about your overall health. Accordingly, poor feet health can be a signal that other, bigger health problems may be looming.
So next time you kick off your shoes, take a look at your feet-they are likely telling you a lot
1. Red, White or Blue Toes and/or Feet
While these colors may be suitable for flags or tablecloths, when it comes to your feet, the red, white and blue are not a good thing-it can indicate Raynaud’s disease (a rare disorder of the blood vessels, usually in the fingers and toes.)
2. Cold Feet
Consistently cold feet can be an indication of a thyroid issue. Since the thyroid gland regulates temperature and metabolism, large variances in temperatures can be a sign that your thyroid is underactive. Chronic cold feet can also be a sign of poor circulation.
3. Cramping
The odd foot cramp is nothing serious. But if you find your feet cramping regularly there may be several reasons, such as being dehydrated or you have been working out too hard.
Cramping feet may also be an indication of a deficiency in potassium, calcium, or magnesium. If that is the case, you can try stretching your feet before going to bed and adding more calcium and magnesium rich foods to your diet.
You can also add more potassium by eating more bananas. If the situation doesn’t improve, you should consult a physician.
4. Numb or Tingling Feet
We’ve all experienced what it’s like to have our feet “fall asleep” at some point in our lives, but when they’re chronically numb, it can be a symptom of damage to your peripheral nervous system-peripheral neuropathy.
This is something you should get checked immediately as chronic numbness can be serious and caused by several things including diabetes and alcohol abuse.
5. Swelling in the foot
This kind of swelling comes from fluid retention called peripheral edema. The doctor will check this by pressing his finger on the swollen area. It is not always caused by heart disease, but when it is, it is because your heart is not pumping blood properly, resulting in fluid leaks from the blood vessels into the tissues.
If you do see a variance in your feet and toes, contact your physician to make sure there isn’t anything serious.
