Unless you get regular pedicures, you probably don’t give your feet much attention or even a second glance. But if you look closer, your feet and toes could tell you a lot about your overall health — if you know what to look for.
“The condition of the skin of your feet can reflect overall hydration and cardiovascular health,” said Brett Roeder, DPM, a podiatrist and reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgeon with Banner Health. “Your feet can give early clues about several health conditions, especially when symptoms are chronic or worsening.”
Read on to learn about common foot symptoms and what they could mean.
Why do my feet feel cold all the time?
If your feet are always cold – even when it’s warm – you might have poor blood circulation (blood flow). Circulation problems can keep warm blood from reaching your feet and toes.
Possible causes:
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD): “Cold feet could be due to poor arterial flow,” Dr. Roeder said. “PAD can narrow or block arteries in the legs and arms, reducing blood flow.” This condition is often linked to smoking, diabetes or high cholesterol.
- Raynaud’s disease: A condition that causes blood vessels in your fingers and toes to narrow in response to cold or stress.
- Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage nerves and blood vessels, affecting circulation.
- Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid slows down your metabolism, making you feel cold, especially in your hands and feet.
Your health care provider or a Banner Health specialist can help you determine the cause.
What causes burning or tingling in my feet?
A burning, tingling or “pins and needles” feeling in your feet may be a sign of nerve damage, also known as peripheral neuropathy.
Possible causes:
- Diabetes: The most common cause of peripheral neuropathy
- Vitamin B12 deficiency: Can affect nerve function
- Alcohol use: Heavy drinking can damage nerves over time
- Infections or autoimmune diseases: Such as Lyme disease, lupus or HIV
“Neuropathy can also come from issues in your back or nerve impingement in the feet,” Dr. Roeder said. “If you’re feeling frequent numbness or burning, it’s worth discussing with your health care provider.”
Why is my big toe red, swollen or painful?
Pain, redness or swelling (inflammation) in your big toe can mean several things, depending on your age and activity level.
Possible causes:
- Gout: A type of inflammatory arthritis that causes sudden joint pain, often in the big toe
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can cause toe joint pain
- Infection: An ingrown toenail or small cut can become infected, leading to redness and swelling
- Injury: Overuse and even minor trauma to the toe can cause inflammation.
“Gout can mimic other conditions like infections or fractures, so getting the right diagnosis is important,” Dr. Roeder said. “It’s usually diagnosed with a physical exam, but lab tests or joint fluid analysis are sometimes needed. Left untreated, repeated gout attacks can destroy the toe joint.”
What does it mean if my toenails are thick, yellow or discolored?
Changes in toenail color or texture are easy to ignore but can be early signs of health problems.
Possible causes:
- Fungal infection: The most common cause of thick, brittle or yellow toenails
- Psoriasis: A skin condition that can cause small pits or dents in the nails
- Melanoma: A dark streak or spot under the nail that doesn’t grow out may be skin cancer
- Anemia or nutritional deficiencies: Can lead to pale, ridged or spoon-shaped nails
If your nails change color, shape or texture and don’t improve, it’s a good idea to get them checked out.
Why won’t the sore on my foot heal?
A sore or wound on your foot that doesn’t heal – especially if you have diabetes – could be a serious concern.
“Wounds that are slow to heal can become infected, and infections can lead to disabling amputations,” Dr. Roeder said.
Possible causes:
- Diabetic foot ulcer: a slow-healing sore caused by poor blood flow or nerve damage
- Poor circulation: Reduces the body’s ability to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the wound
- Skin cancer: Some skin cancers can look like open sores that don’t heal
“If you have a sore on your foot that hasn’t healed within 10 days, you should see your health care provider,” Dr. Roeder said.
Should I worry about a dark streak or bruise under my toenail?
A dark spot under your toenail is often caused by trauma, such as stubbing your toe or wearing tight shoes. But if it doesn’t grow out with the nail, it could be something more serious.
Possible causes:
- Subungual hematoma: A buildup of blood under the nail from injury
- Melanoma: Skin cancer that can develop under the nail
If you didn’t injure your toe or the dark mark doesn’t move as your nail grows, see a dermatologist or podiatrist.
Why do my feet hurt even though I didn’t injure them?
Foot pain without any obvious cause could be due to overuse, stress or an underlying condition.
Possible causes:
- Plantar fasciitis: Inflammation of the plantar fascia can cause heel pain. Fascia is a thick band of connective tissue on the bottom of the foot that supports the arch and absorbs shock.
- Arthritis: Can cause joint stiffness and aching.
- Stress fracture: A tiny crack in the bone from repetitive force, especially common in runners or people with osteoporosis.
- Flat feet or high arches: Can affect how your feet absorb shock.
If pain lasts more than a few days or worsens with activity, get it checked out.
Takeaway
If your feet are trying to tell you something, don’t ignore the signs. Changes in your feet, like sores that won’t heal, nail changes, tingling or swelling, can be the first sign of a serious health problem.
A Banner Health podiatrist or health care specialist can help you understand what’s going on and recommend treatment if needed.
Find a Banner Health provider near you.
