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Some health issues that can be identified by looking at the feet
Color change =
Color changes in the feet can indicate various health problems. Feet turning blue or purple often signals coldness, but it can also indicate poor blood circulation or cardiovascular issues. Peripheral vascular disease caused by conditions such as smoking or diabetes can severely impair blood flow and may block the blood vessels in the legs and feet.
The redness of the feet may be due to an allergic reaction, especially when accompanied by itching, swelling, or rash. It could also be related to infections such as abscesses caused by bacteria or fungi invading through small skin wounds. Signs of infection include redness, inflammation, pain, discharge, and odor.
Swelling =
Swelling in the feet is a common symptom when you have an injury to the foot or ankle. In such cases, elevate the foot and avoid putting too much pressure or weight on the injured leg. Applying ice packs or using compression bandages can help reduce swelling.
Swelling occurs when fluid accumulates in the body, mainly appearing in the legs or feet. It is important to seek a doctor's diagnosis and receive immediate treatment if swelling occurs. If it is temporary swelling, reducing salt intake and engaging in moderate exercise often lead to improvement. If swelling is left untreated, pain may gradually worsen and walking may become difficult. Persistent swelling accompanied by symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, rapid or irregular heartbeat may be a sign of more serious conditions such as heart failure.
Numbness and tingling
A persistent tingling or numb sensation in the feet may also be a sign of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a peripheral sensory nerve complication that can occur in diabetic patients, causing numbness or tingling sensations in both feet or both hands.
Changes in skin and nails =
If the toenails become thick and yellowed, fungal infection may be suspected. If the heels are dry and cracked, it could be caused by standing for long periods on hard floors or wearing shoes without proper support. However, according to Dr. Ashrafi, dry and cracked heels can also occur in cases of diabetes or hypothyroidism.
If you have diabetes, blood sugar control is difficult, leading to nerve damage in the feet, which causes dry skin and cracks in the heels. When thyroid hormone levels in the body decrease, overall skin dryness worsens, and cracks can develop in the heels.