The human body is exceptionally clever, and when something isn’t right, it often gives you clues. Surprisingly, one of the ways it does this is through your feet. Your feet can tell you a great deal about the state of your health, and a visit to a podiatrist might just give you more information than you bargained for.
Here, we take a closer look at the health secrets your feet could be hiding:
1. Circulation problems
Feet are often the first part to be affected by circulation problems because they’re the furthest away from our hearts and spine. There are various things that can indicate a problem of this nature, including: an absence of foot pulses, hairless toes and a purple discolouration of the skin. An experienced podiatrist will be able to take a closer look at these things and advise whether further medical investigation is required.
2. Nutritional deficiencies
If you suffer from cramps in your feet, you may be dehydrated or deficient in minerals like potassium, magnesium or calcium. A simple blood test can help determine whether you’re missing vital nutrients, so if you suffer from foot pain, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor to investigate.
3. Thyroid conditions
If your feet are distinctly dry and flaky, it’s worth seeing whether you have a thyroid condition. When the thyroid stops working properly, it doesn’t create enough thyroid hormone which controls metabolic rate, tissue growth, blood pressure and nervous system development. This can seriously impact the condition of your skin and make your toenails brittle too.
4. Diabetes and cancer
If you have a sore on your foot that doesn’t seem to be healing, it could be a sneaky sign of diabetes. That’s because uncontrolled glucose levels in the blood can delay wound healing and lead to open sores. It’s also worth getting any relentless blemishes checked by a healthcare professional, because it could even be a sign of cancer.
Other indicators of melanoma include a discolouration under the nail, such as a black stripe. Instances like this could also be something less serious like a fungal nail infection, but it’s always worth getting checked out.
5. Anaemia (iron deficiency)
If the beds of your toenails have a concave or spoon like shape to them, you might be suffering from iron deficiency anaemia. Other clues include your skin and nail beds looking pale as well fatigue, breathlessness and dizziness upon standing. A podiatrist or doctor can help examine your toes and investigate the cause appropriately.
Here at Riverside Dental Spa, our resident podiatrist Anuj is highly experienced in the assessment and treatment of all kinds of foot conditions. His care also includes management of the diabetic foot, rheumatology, biomechanics, nail surgery and verrucae needling.
To book a slot with Anuj, please call us on: 020 7091 0677, or email: reception@riversidedentalspa.com.
