Feet carry us through life, but when it comes to health, they’re often overlooked. The truth is, they can reveal early signs of larger health concerns, from circulation problems to nerve damage. Paying attention to the warning signs early is important to maintaining your foot health.
#1. Persistent Foot Pain
Foot pain that doesn’t improve or worsens over time should never be ignored. Whether it feels like a sharp, stabbing sensation or a constant dull ache, lingering discomfort may point to conditions.
- Arthritis wears cartilage away, causing joints to rub together.
- Achilles tendinitis occurs when the Achilles tendon, the tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, is overused and becomes irritated and inflamed.
- Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, a long, thick tissue that runs from your heel to your toes.
Getting it checked early can help prevent the problem from progressing into something more serious.
#2. Cold Feet All the Time
Consistently cold feet, even in warm weather, may point to poor circulation or thyroid issues. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) narrows the arteries, restricting blood flow, while hypothyroidism leads to insufficient thyroid hormone production, slowing the body’s metabolism and disrupting its ability to regulate body temperature.
#3. Changes in Foot Appearance
Sudden or gradual changes in the shape of your feet can alter your balance and gait.
- Fallen arches occur when the arches collapse and the sole appears to touch the ground. Over time, this could develop into bunions or hammertoes.
- Bunions typically form when prolonged pressure on the big toe pushes it toward the second toe. Over time, an extra bone forms at the base of the big toe, and this can be painful.
- Hammertoes are toe deformities that cause the toe to bend at the middle joint, creating a hammer-like appearance.
These conditions rarely improve without treatment and often worsen over time, making early evaluation by a podiatrist important.
#4. Numbness or Tingling
Occasional tingling from sitting too long is normal, but chronic numbness or a pins-and-needles sensation may be peripheral neuropathy. This condition, often associated with diabetes or nerve damage, affects how nerves send signals to the feet and can worsen without treatment.
#5. Unexplained Swelling
Swelling in your feet or ankles can indicate inflammation or infection, especially if it does not subside after resting or elevating your feet. And if swelling occurs without any injury, it could signal heart, liver, or kidney problems. Ongoing puffiness, especially when accompanied by shortness of breath or fatigue, requires medical advice.
Get Back to Moving and Thriving
Foot pain, swelling, or other changes in your feet don’t have to slow you down. The Foot & Ankle Center offers comprehensive care designed to find the source of your discomfort and get you back to doing what you love. With advanced treatments and personalized solutions, our podiatrists are ready to guide you every step of the way.
Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Schedule your appointment today and move forward with confidence!