As long as everything appears to be working properly, we may
not pay much attention to our feet. They are often covered with socks or shoes
and, as the saying goes, “out of sight, out of mind.” However, as soon as
something feels off, it can quickly become hard to ignore. Here are some common
symptoms to look out for, as well as possible explanations for what those
symptoms might mean for your health.
Cold
feet
For many people, having cold feet is more than a figure of
speech. While it is possible to simply have cold sensations without any serious
underlying cause, chronically cold toes could be a sign of poor blood
circulation. Smoking and smoking-related conditions like COPD can reduce the
lungs’ ability to fully absorb oxygen, leading to lower oxygen levels in the
blood. Additionally, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and several other forms
of heart disease can cause your arteries to narrow, which can impede the flow
of blood throughout the body.
Itchy
feet
As unpleasant and distracting as they may be, itchy feet
aren’t normally a sign of a serious medical condition. The most common culprit
of itchy, scaly skin on the feet is a fungal infection like athlete’s foot.
These infections thrive in damp environments, usually begin between the toes
and occur most commonly in people whose feet have become very sweaty while
confined to tight-fitting shoes. While athlete’s foot is contagious, it can be
treated easily with over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal medications.
Skin
discoloration
A rash or fungal infection like athlete’s foot commonly
leads to scaly, reddish skin, but many other conditions may also result in
discoloration of the feet. One condition, known as Raynaud’s phenomenon, is
characterized by a sequence of color changes in the skin as a response to cold
or stress. During an instance of Raynaud’s, the affected area turns white as
the arteries begin to narrow and blood flow is reduced. The affected area may
start to feel cold or numb and eventually turn blue as blood flow is further
restricted.
Clubbed
toes
Clubbing involves changes in the area surrounding and
supporting the finger or toenail. Common symptoms of nail clubbing include
softening of the nail bed, bulging of the tip of the toe and curving of the
nails to form a sharper angle with the toe (often described as resembling the
head of an upside-down spoon).
Burning sensation
The sensation of burning feet can vary from mild (numbness
and tingling) to severe (distracting pain that can even interfere with sleep).
Something as simple as tired feet or a common infection like athlete’s foot can
cause short-term symptoms like burning or tingling. In more severe cases,
burning in the feet could be a sign of nerve damage from diabetes or a
circulatory condition known as peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
Pain in
the big toe
Generalized foot pain is one thing, but sometimes specific
pain points to a more specific condition. If the pain is focused around the tip
and corner of your nail, it could be a sign that you are developing an ingrown
toenail. Sudden, severe bouts of pain localized in the joint of a big toe could
suggest a complex form of arthritis known as gout. Symptoms of gout include
intense joint pain followed by lingering discomfort and often occur at night
without any warning.
Yellow
toenails
As with other parts of your body, discoloration in your
nails may be a sign that something is wrong. An infection of nail fungus often
begins as a yellow spot under the tip of your nail. Unfortunately, as you may
have learned in high school biology, fungi tends to thrive in dark, warm and
moist environments, making the underside of a toenail the perfect home. If left
unnoticed or untreated, this discoloration can spread deeper into the nail and
to other surrounding toes.
White
nails
White discoloration of the nails doesn’t necessarily point
to a health issue. Leukonychia (sometimes called a “milk spot”) is a medical
term for common white blotches that start around the base of the nail and move
as the nail grows. Contrary to popular belief, these marks are not a sign of a
vitamin deficiency and are generally considered harmless. A white mark at the
tip of your nail, however, may be more serious. An injury may cause part of the
toenail to separate from the nail bed, which can make the tip of the nail
appear whiter.
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