Most of us take our feet for granted until they’re not healthy. And it’s important to know underlying health conditions often come to light through our feet before we are aware of a problem elsewhere in our body. Today Dr. Hubert Lee of CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists, in Bellevue, WA, is sharing information regarding some foot issues that can indicate general health issues, some minor, and others more serious.
Cold feet: This condition can be an indication of poor circulation, a thyroid condition, or disorders of the nervous system. Other disorders that can cause cold feet include vascular disease, diabetes, neuropathy, and arteriosclerosis.
Foot cramping: While quite common, this typically indicates you are dehydrated and may have nutritional shortages. Doctors recommend adults drink eight, 8-ounce glasses of water daily. Potassium, magnesium, and calcium not only help control blood pressure - they are vital in preventing leg and foot cramps.
Foot drop: Being unable to lift the front part of your foot caused by paralysis or muscle weakness. Possible underlying conditions are neurodegenerative disorders, stroke, cerebral palsy, polio, multiple sclerosis, or other muscle or nerve conditions such as neuropathy.
Foot ulcer: A sore that won’t heal can indicate high glucose levels. If left uncontrolled, this condition can cause damage to the nerves in the feet, which in turn decreases sensitivity and cause wounds that create ulcers.
Heel pain: Spurs can be a painful effect of a condition known as plantar fasciitis. Deposits of calcium can accumulate and form protuberances that dig into the fatty part of the heel.
Extremely high arches: If the arch muscles in your foot are thinning, it could be a sign of a serious neurological disorder called Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. This disorder damages the peripheral nerves and causes numbness in the feet, balance difficulties, muscle loss in the lower legs, and changes in gait.
Discolored patches of skin: If you notice a light area of skin discoloration or a colored lesion on the surface of your foot, it could be a melanoma; in fact, between 3 and 15 percent of melanomas develop on the foot.
Visit your podiatrist whenever you notice changes in the function or appearance of your feet. They might be telling you that you have a health condition needing attention. You and your feet are in the best hands with Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA – call us today at (425) 455-0936 to schedule your next appointment.
