What your Feet Say About You

A podiatrist should be your first port of call for all things feet; by ignoring the issue, you could be causing yourself more damage.

The most common complaint podiatrists tend to hear from patients is heel pain. This can be caused by a condition such as plantar fasciitis, but may also be a sign of arthritis, peripheral neuropathy, and other more serious conditions.

Your feet are your body's foundation, so it's no wonder that they may provide the first clues to a significant health problem!

What Are Your Feet Trying to Tell You?

The following foot problems all warrant further investigation:

• Slow healing sores – Diabetes may lead to reduced circulation to the extremities such as your toes and feet; and reduced nerve sensitivity may mean you don't even notice a wound at first. Diabetic foot sores or ulcers typically present with a round red crater in the skin, bordered by thick callused skin - and in extreme cases these ulcers can be deep enough to expose tendons or bones, and at high risk of serious infection.
  
• Ongoing plantar warts – While these are normally found on the heels or balls of the feet and can be quite common, multiple outbreaks or ongoing problems may be associated with an immune system disorder.
  
• Frequent foot cramping – This may be a sign that your body is low on certain minerals such as potassium, calcium or magnesium. In some cases, diuretic medications prescribed for high blood pressure may deplete these minerals also.
  
• Burning feet – Fatigue or a skin infection like tinea may cause burning or inflamed feet temporarily. However if you continue to suffer from burning feet it may also indicate nerve damage.
  
• Cracked heels – If you suffer from painful cracked heels, it might be worth getting checked out for hypothyroidism.
  
• Cold Feet – Again, hypothyroidism can interfere with the systems in your body which control heartbeat and temperature. Poor circulation and anaemia may also be the underlying cause.
  
• No hair on your big toes? Hairless feet might be the ideal - particularly if you are a woman - but this can also be a sign of poor blood circulation and/or cardiovascular disease.
  
• Pins and needles – Frequent pins and needles may be a symptom of a more serious condition such as a nerve injury or inflammation, or even multiple sclerosis.

From cramping to burning sensations – what are your feet trying to tell you?!