Contrary to appearances, foot problems are not only an aesthetic problem. Many diseases manifest their first symptoms this way. Before you try to hide your imperfections under a perfect pedicure, check that your body is not calling for help. Perhaps the cause is not your feet, but problems with the thyroid gland or a serious problem with the peripheral arteries? We check what diseases can be written on the feet.
Flaky skin, an ugly appearance, or the smell of your feet may be the first signs that something bad is going on in your body. It is not worth ignoring the signals he sends us, especially if your problems are extremely resistant to home care treatments.
Diseases that can be seen on the feet
1. Diseases of the thyroid gland
Dry, scaly feet may be the first symptom of a hormonal imbalance caused by thyroid disease. If you have not dealt with such dermatological problems before and the moisturizing cream you are using does not seem to be working well, make an appointment with a specialist. Dry skin and lumps on the skin of the feet are symptoms of thyroid problems.
- You can buy a set of thyroid tests at medonetmarket.pl
2. PAD — peripheral arterial disease
Each of us has hair on our feet. Usually, to a greater or lesser extent, the hair covers the top of the toes and the back of the foot. If you are seeing your toes suddenly becoming bald, it’s time to take a closer look at this change. Contrary to appearances, this is not a reason to celebrate. Experts from the Mayo Clinic mention the so-called bald fingers as one of the symptoms of serious blood vessel disease.
3. Gout (gout, arthritis)
This disease very often manifests itself on the feet and diagnostics usually begins with these symptoms. The most common symptoms of gout are a swollen big toe and severe pain, sometimes making it impossible to walk. If you have not suffered any mechanical trauma, it is worthwhile to diagnose the cause with your GP.
- Also read: Are your feet itchy all the time? Do not underestimate this, the body sends SOS
4. Diabetes
Often appearing ulcers and hard-to-heal cuts and abrasions are the flagship symptoms of the so-called diabetic foot. It is not worth underestimating seemingly innocent wounds, they can quickly lead to infection and even threaten amputation of part or all of the foot. Patients with diabetes often face this problem due to impaired blood circulation and disturbance in the work of some peripheral nerves (diabetic polyneuropathy). All this means that they do not feel too much pain and underestimate the problem. The consequences, however, can turn out to be dire.
- Read: Diabetes symptoms that appear in the morning. If you notice when you wake up, go get tested right away
5. Lupus or inflammation of the heart muscle
These extremely dangerous diseases often manifest themselves extremely innocently at first. Their characteristic feature is red, vertical lines under the toenails. Of course, such lines may appear as a result of minor trauma, but if you notice that they are under many nails, do not delay the diagnosis, they may signal an infection of the heart valves or lupus.
6. Cancer of the lungs and stomach
If you notice that your nails have become convex and ball-shaped, do not delay your visit to the doctor. This phenomenon is called clubbing and can be a symptom of lung cancer, gastric cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease.
- Also read: Have you got dry, cracked heels? The body is trying to tell you something important
7. Anemia and lupus
The aforementioned lupus can manifest itself similarly to anemia. The nails then take an upwardly bent shape and resemble a spoon.
8. Malnutrition
This problem often manifests as a white line running across the fingernail parallel to the toe.
9. polio, stroke, spinal cord tumor
These extremely dangerous diseases can also manifest themselves on the feet. If the shape of your arch suddenly changes – as if you are standing on your toes or wearing a high-heeled shoe, consult your doctor. Such a change is a neurological symptom, it is not worth delaying the visit.
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