7 Things Your Feet Can Tell You about Your Health ...

One of the things your feet can tell you about your health is if your thyroid is functioning properly. Cold feet are a sign of hypothyroidism, which is also known as an underactive thyroid. In addition to cold feet, an underactive thyroid can cause a wide range of symptoms, including weight gain and extreme fatigue. Hypothyroidism is easy to diagnose and treat. A blood test will indicate if there is a problem, and if you do have hypothyroidism, your doctor can prescribe thyroid medication.

I realize no one wants hair on their feet, but people should have a little hair on their feet or toes. Not having any hair on your feet or toes can be a sign of poor circulation. Poor circulation can be an indicator of vascular disease, which includes diagnosis like peripheral artery disease. Peripheral artery disease is caused by a buildup of plaque in the peripheral arteries, and it can cause leg cramps, changes in skin color, and sores.

Most people probably think of an enlarged big toe indicating that you stubbed your toe. While this is often the case, an enlarged big toe can actually be a sign of gout. Gout is a form of arthritis that is caused by a buildup of uric acid, and it causes your big toe to swell. Fortunately, gout is well controlled by avoiding alcohol and limiting meat consumption.

Obviously having numb feet is not a good thing. Not only can it be painful, but it can also indicate peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy occurs when there is damage to the peripheral nerves. This damage can be caused by several things, including a pinched nerve or diabetes. You should see your doctor right away if you notice your feet are feeling numb to prevent nerve damage from occurring.

Pitted toenails are a sign of psoriasis, which is an autoimmune disease that causes red, raised scaly patches on the skin. It can be quite painful. About half of the people with psoriasis will develop pitted toenails, which is why it is important to take notice of any abnormalities in your toenails.

Having shooting pains in your heel can be extremely painful and unpleasant, and it can be a sign of plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a connective tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. When it becomes inflamed it causes heel and foot pain. If you have a lot of pain in your heel, you should see your doctor. You should also avoid high heels and flats, which can aggravate plantar fasciitis.

Thick, yellow toenails are usually caused by a fungal infection. Fungal infections can be caused by many things, but certain diseases, like diabetes or autoimmune diseases, will make you more susceptible. Of course, it is possible to get a fungal infection even if you are otherwise very healthy. While thick, yellow toenails may not be painful, you might want to see your doctor so you can get a prescription to clear up the fungal infection.

Your feet can tell you many things about your well-being. Paying attention to the health of your feet can help you make sure your whole body stays healthy. Did you know your feet could tell you so much about your health?

Sources: healthcentral.com, my.clevelandclinic.org, psoriasis.org