What your feet reveal about your health

If the eyes are the windows to the soul, the feet can offer a view of overall health, say experts. 

“Your feet reveal many health conditions,” says Oliver Zong, M.D., a New York-based podiatrist. From thyroid issues to heart problems, your feet can reflect the inner workings of your body.

Here’s how:

Cold feet: If your feet are always cold, it may be a sign of an underactive thyroid, especially if you also have dry skin and hair, and fatigue. Another possibility: Raynaud’s disease, which can signal lupus or rheumatoid arthritis as an underlying cause, says Dr. Zong. 

Swollen big toes: A sore, swollen, red, and warm big toe is a classic hallmark of gout, says Pat Salber M.D., founder and host of “The Doctor Weighs In” radio show. “Gout is a form of arthritis and is extremely painful,” she tells Newsmax Health. Gout can cause kidney problems, such as kidney stones or kidney failure, if left untreated. 

Frequent foot cramps: Muscle spasms in the feet can signal an electrolyte imbalance – a lack of magnesium or potassium – or also mean that you have low blood sugar or poor circulation. Pinched nerves and some medications, such as diuretics, can also cause spasms. 

Unexplained numbness: In rare cases, numb or tingling feet can be a sign of multiple sclerosis, nerve damage, fibromyalgia, or diabetes, Dr. Zong tells Newmax Health. 
Swollen feet: Some people notice that their feet swell after an injury or lots of activity, but if it doesn’t go away within a couple of days, this could be a sign of heart failure or kidney disease. 

Clubbed toenails: When the nails appear more rounded on top and then curve downward, this could be a symptom of lung disease. Clubbed toenails can also be caused by heart disease, liver, and digestive disorders, or certain infections. 

Yellow, flaky toenails: Toenail fungus, also called onchomycosis, is usually benign, says Dr. Salber. But if not treated, the infection can cause a loss of dexterity and can spread beyond the toe into the body. 

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