4 Things Your Feet Tell You About Your Health
The toes know.
Photo: Peopleimages/iStock
Cold Feet
Could be: Hypothyroidism
Always reaching for socks? You may be suffering from hypothyroidism, a disorder in which the thyroid doesn't produce enough of certain hormones that help regulate metabolism. A sluggish metabolism can show your body's ability to generate heat, causing your hands and feet to remain chronically cold.
Yellow Toenails
Could be: Yellow nail syndrome
The yellowing of nails is usually brought on by a mild, treatable fungus. But in rare cases it could be a sign of this disorder, associated with undiagnosed respiratory problems and lymphedema, a condition that causes fluid retention, triggering swelling in the arms or legs.
Enlarged Big Toe
Could be: Gout
Considered one of the most painful forms of arthritis, gout occurs when the body's levels of uric acid build up to the point at which sharp crystals accumulate in joints. And for reasons that remain unclear, uric acid deposits often develop in the joint of the big toe.
Foot Cramps
Could be: Nutrient deficiency
While a common cause of foot cramps is dehydration (make sure you're drinking enough water daily!), an imbalance of electrolytes can also lead the muscles in your feet to contract sharply, signaling that you may be low in essential minerals like potassium, magnesium and calcium.
Could be: Hypothyroidism
Always reaching for socks? You may be suffering from hypothyroidism, a disorder in which the thyroid doesn't produce enough of certain hormones that help regulate metabolism. A sluggish metabolism can show your body's ability to generate heat, causing your hands and feet to remain chronically cold.
Yellow Toenails
Could be: Yellow nail syndrome
The yellowing of nails is usually brought on by a mild, treatable fungus. But in rare cases it could be a sign of this disorder, associated with undiagnosed respiratory problems and lymphedema, a condition that causes fluid retention, triggering swelling in the arms or legs.
Enlarged Big Toe
Could be: Gout
Considered one of the most painful forms of arthritis, gout occurs when the body's levels of uric acid build up to the point at which sharp crystals accumulate in joints. And for reasons that remain unclear, uric acid deposits often develop in the joint of the big toe.
Foot Cramps
Could be: Nutrient deficiency
While a common cause of foot cramps is dehydration (make sure you're drinking enough water daily!), an imbalance of electrolytes can also lead the muscles in your feet to contract sharply, signaling that you may be low in essential minerals like potassium, magnesium and calcium.
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