What Your Feet Are Trying to Tell You

Symptoms manifested in your feet may be pointing to other concerns beyond a common podiatric condition. At NY Foot Health, we want people to know that your feet can act as an early warning system for health issues that may affect your whole body. They can also be trying to signal a change that you need to make to improve your podiatric health. Below are some common conditions and what they might indicate.

Ingrown toenails—recurring ingrown toenails can be genetic, but if that’s not the case for you and it’s a recent phenomenon, it may be that you need to buy bigger shoes. It’s common for your feet to increase in size as you age, especially if you’ve put on some weight as well. When shoes are tight and toes are squeezed together for extended periods, it can lead to ingrown nails. So if you’re having this problem, consider getting your feet professionally measured to see if you’re wearing the correct size.

Skin discoloration on lower legs and feet—this is a symptom that many patients might ignore for a long time since it’s not painful or uncomfortable, but you shouldn’t. Skin that looks red or bluish may be a sign of decreased blood flow to the legs which can be the result of another more serious disease such as diabetes or peripheral arterial disease.

Heel pain—there are several potential sources of heel pain but it might be something as simple as wearing your fashion boots too many days in a row. This type of footwear is notorious for having poor arch support which in turn puts pressure on your heels when you walk. Other shoe styles that are completely flat can have the same affect.

Sometimes foot pain and discomfort are not what they seem. Don’t dismiss aches and pains or other uncomfortable symptoms as just “normal.” It’s important to have your podiatrist evaluate your feet regularly and particularly if you have persistent symptoms that are interfering with your ability to enjoy daily activities. If you don’t currently see a podiatrist, locate one in your community by using our online directory and make an appointment today.

To learn more about common podiatric symptoms and what they mean, contact us and subscribe to our free e-newsletter.