What Your Feet Can Reveal About Your Health

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, says that on World Podiatry Day (8 October), your feet can tell you a surprising amount about your overall health

Most of us only think about our feet when they hurt. However, changes in their colour, temperature, skin, nails, or sensation sometimes point to a health problem elsewhere in the body.

“Our feet carry our full body weight and can take thousands of steps every day, yet they are so often overlooked,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.

“In our view, changes such as a sore that does not heal, ongoing swelling, or numbness are worth having checked by a healthcare professional. Paying attention to these changes early may help people get the care they need sooner.”

Numbness, Tingling, or Burning

Pins and needles after sitting in one position for too long are usually harmless and should disappear quickly. However, ongoing numbness, tingling, burning, or sharp pain in the feet can sometimes be a sign of nerve damage.

Diabetes is one of the most common causes. This may cause a person to lose feeling and not notice a cut, blister, burn, or stone inside their shoe.

Without treatment, a small injury can become infected or develop into a foot ulcer. In severe cases, this can lead to serious complications that affect the foot or leg.

People living with diabetes should examine their feet every day, even when they feel fine. Check the tops, soles, heels, and spaces between the toes. Use a mirror or ask someone to help if you cannot see the bottom of your feet.

Cold, Pale, or Shiny Feet

Feet that remain cold, even when the weather is warm, may be a sign of poor blood circulation.

Other warning signs include feet that look unusually pale or blue, shiny skin, slow-growing toenails, hair loss on the toes or lower legs, and cramping in the calves when walking.

These symptoms may be linked to peripheral artery disease, which happens when narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the legs and feet. Smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, excess weight, and increasing age can raise the risk.

Poor blood flow also makes it harder for cuts and sores to heal. A foot that suddenly becomes cold, pale, numb, or very painful needs urgent medical attention.

Swollen Feet and Ankles

Swollen feet do not always mean something is seriously wrong. Long periods of standing or sitting, hot weather, pregnancy, a high salt intake, and certain medicines can cause temporary swelling.

However, swelling that does not go away, becomes worse, or affects both feet could be linked to problems with the heart, kidneys, liver, or veins. When the heart is not pumping blood properly, fluid may collect in the legs, ankles, and feet.

Get urgent help if swollen feet are accompanied by chest pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness, fainting, or a fast heartbeat. Sudden swelling, redness, heat, and pain in one leg may be a sign of a blood clot and must also be checked immediately.

A Painful, Red Big Toe

Sudden, severe pain in the big toe may be a sign of gout. The joint may become red, hot, swollen, and so painful that even the weight of a bedsheet feels unbearable.

Gout develops when uric acid crystals collect inside a joint. Risk factors include kidney problems, excess weight, certain medicines, alcohol, sugary drinks, and a diet high in purine rich foods, such as organ meat and some seafood.

Gout should be diagnosed and treated by a healthcare professional, as repeated attacks can damage the joint.

Changes to Your Toenails

Toenails can change because of an injury, tight shoes, ageing, or a fungal infection. Thick, yellow, or crumbly toenails are often caused by nail fungus.

Very pale nails could sometimes be linked to anaemia. Nails that become unusually rounded or curve over the ends of the toes can be a sign of long-term heart or lung problems.

A dark mark under a toenail is often a bruise. However, a mark that appears without an injury, becomes larger, changes colour, or does not move as the nail grows should be examined.

Nail changes cannot diagnose an illness on their own, but unexplained changes should not be ignored.

Sores That Do Not Heal

Small cuts and blisters can become serious if they are not noticed or treated, especially in people with diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced feeling in their feet.

Look after your feet by:

• Washing them daily and drying them carefully, especially between the toes.
• Checking for cuts, blisters, swelling, redness, or changes in colour.
• Applying moisturiser to dry skin, but not between the toes.
• Trimming your toenails straight across.
• Wearing clean socks and comfortable shoes that fit properly.
• Checking inside your shoes for stones or sharp objects before putting them on.

Conclusion

Your feet will not diagnose a medical condition on their own, but they often give the first hint that something needs attention. If a change is painful, unexplained, keeps coming back, or simply will not heal, it is worth getting it checked. Affinity Health’s Day-to-Day Plan supports members with everyday healthcare needs through telephonic nurse and doctor consultations, Medical Society centres, and managed GP consultations

About Affinity Health

Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading health cover provider, offering you a range of options at affordable rates, including access to the widest national provider network. We understand the importance of having medical insurance that meets your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Our healthcare products are designed to protect you and your family when it matters the most. We strive to give our members peace of mind and the highest standard of service. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X.

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