What can your toes tell you? The
nurse just took your temperature, checked your blood pressure, and even made
you step on the scale (with that heavy sweater on, no less). And as she hands
you the paper gown, she gives her final directive: "You can leave your
socks on."
When it comes to your health, that could be a big mistake. A change in
your feet--whether on the skin, nails, or even how they feel--can be the first
sign of a potentially serious problem that, if caught early, could save your
life. "Our feet are the first parts to be affected by nerve issues because
they're the farthest from our hearts and spine," explains Carolyn McAloon,
DPM, a Bay Area podiatrist and president of the California Podiatric Medication
Association. Even more reason to never ignore feet: They're easily compromised
when our bodies feel threatened, since we send blood to the internal organs and
the brain before the extremities.
Here, we reveal what could be lurking behind your most common foot
concerns. If you see something familiar on the list, it's best to get it
checked by your doc or podiatrist before attempting any treatment.
1. Hairless
feet and toes
What it might mean: Serious circulation problems
Sure, it's a pain during sandal season, but hair on your toes is a good thing.
Sudden baldness can be a sign that your feet aren't getting enough blood flow
to sustain hair growth. Expect your doctor to check for a pulse in your feet,
which is another indication that your heart may not be able to pump enough
blood to your feet, says Dr. McAloon. (Feet aren't your only cue to poor
circulation.
2. Frequent
foot cramping
What it might mean: Dehydration and nutritional deficiencies
Randomly occurring cramps are about as generic as foot problems get. They can
be as serious as circulation and nerve issues, or as harmless as a nutritional
deficiency. If you're exercising, be sure to drink plenty of water, since
dehydration often leads to muscle cramping. You might also try upping your
intake of potassium, magnesium, and calcium (with your doctor's go-ahead, of
course), since their deficiencies make cramps more common. "For relief,
soak feet in a warm foot bath and stretch your toes toward your nose, not
pointing down," says Dr. McAloon. If the cramps don't let up, see your
doctor for testing to rule out circulation issues or nerve damage.
3. A sore
that won't heal
What it might mean: Diabetes or skin cancer
Stubborn sores are red flags for diabetes. Uncontrolled glucose levels in the
blood can lead to nerve damage all the way down in your feet, which means any
cut, sore, or scrape can come and go without you ever feeling it. And if it
gets infected, the most serious cases may call for amputation.
A non-healing wound can also be a sign of skin cancer, says Dr. McAloon.
Melanoma can pop up anywhere on your body--even in between your toes--so be
sure to include your feet in your regular skin checks
4. Perpetually
cold feet
What it might mean: Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is the most common cause of feet that just can't get warm. And
if you're over 40, you could be living with a sluggish thyroid without even
knowing it. Unfortunately, cold feet are the least of your
problems--hypothyroidism can also cause hair loss, fatigue, unexplained weight
gain, and depression. Get your feet feeling toasty again by heading to your doc
for a simple blood test, and you'll start warming up shortly after starting the
daily medication.
5. Suddenly
enlarged big toe
What it might mean: Gout or other inflammatory issue
"The sudden onset of a red, hot, swollen, and painful joint requires immediate
medical attention," says Dr. McAloon. Typical causes include gout,
inflammatory arthritis, infection, or trauma.
6. Numbness
What it might mean: Peripheral neuropathy or a pinched nerve
Numbness in both feet is known as peripheral neuropathy, caused most commonly
by diabetes, chronic alcoholism, or a side effect of chemotherapy. If you're
experiencing neuroma, or numbness in only one foot, it could be due to a
pinched nerve in the foot, ankle or back. That's most likely caused by years of
wearing tight shoes (we mean you, stiletto devotees.)
7. Bunions
What it might mean: Inherited faulty foot structure
If you thought your bunions were caused exclusively by a closet full of
gorgeous (yet restrictive and often painful) shoes, you can stop blaming the
boutique. Bunions are actually a sign of a flawed foot structure that's often
inherited and merely aggravated by inappropriate shoes. "The first foot
bone drives toward the middle of the body, and you see the bump," explains
Dr. McAloon. It can be painful and unsightly, but the only way to really
correct it is with surgery.
8. Heel
pain
What it might mean: Plantar fasciitis
You can't mistake it--that sharp pain in the bottom of the heel when you get
out of bed or stand up from a chair. It's a strain of the ligament that
supports you arch. And whether you did it by wearing too-tight shoes, walking
in flip-flops, or wearing worn-out workout sneakers, the longer you let it go,
the longer it takes to heal. Your podiatrist will probably tell you to ease up
on your workout at first, rethink your footwear, and adopt a good stretching
routine.
9. Flaky,
itchy, or peeling skin
What it might mean: Fungal infection
Even if you're never donned an athletic jersey in your life, you could still be
walking around with athlete's foot--the euphemistic term for a fungal
infection. The most common cause of itchiness and peeling, it can be treated by
applying anti-fungal cream and keeping your feet as cool and dry as possible
during the day. If you're fungus-free, you might be dealing with eczema or
psoriasis--both to be determined by your podiatrist through a skin sample.
10. Yellow
toenails
What it might mean: Fungus or pedicure overload
Seeing yellow when you look down? Don't freak out--especially if you've been
wearing nail polish for months on end without a break. "Yellowness can
also happen naturally with age," says Dr. McAloon. If it's accompanied by
brittleness or flaking, it's most likely you have a fungal infection like
athlete's foot.
