Your Feet Are Often Signs of Systemic Disease
An excellent reason to pay more attention to your feet and ankles' condition is that systemic diseases often make themselves known by symptoms that first show up in the feet. Circulation abnormalities and diabetes can lead to slow wound healing and possible infections. Nerve damage often first shows up the extremities, with the feet often showing symptoms before anywhere else.
Signs in your feet that may be indicative of other health issues include the following:
Numbness and tingling in the extremities—A pins and needles or numb feeling in the feet can indicate peripheral nerve damage, which can be caused by diabetes.
Swelling and cramping in feet and lower legs—Fluid retention and swelling in your feet and ankles can indicate a kidney disorder. Foot cramping may be a sign of electrolyte imbalance. Your body needs sufficient magnesium, calcium, and potassium for proper nerve, ligament, and tendon functioning.
Wounds that heal slowly or become infected—When cuts and scrapes take a long time to heal, it can be a sign of diabetes and artery disease. Diabetics should make regular visits to their foot doctor to avoid infections and possible amputation.
Rough and dry skin conditions—Complications from diabetes and circulation problems can cause your skin to dry out with a concomitant increase in the occurrence of corns and calluses.
Losing hair from your feet and ankles—Hair loss from your feet and toes can be a sign of poor blood circulation and peripheral artery disease (PAD).
Early treatment of systemic diseases is always preferable. If you notice any of these issues in your feet or ankles, see your podiatrist. James C. Ricketti, DPM of Hamilton Square, NJ (in Mercer County), is a board-certified podiatrist providing state of the art diagnostic and treatment options for all types of foot and ankle injuries, diseases, and deformities. From hammertoes and bunions to diabetic foot problems and sports injuries, you can rest assured that Dr. Ricketti and his staff will get you back on your feet as fast as possible. Please contact our office with any questions or to schedule an appointment.