Numb feet, fungus, abnormally thick nails… Small hassles that are often trivialized, and yet. These signs can sometimes announce serious illnessessuch as diabetes or cardiovascular disorders. Two British experts warn: your feet sometimes say much more than you imagine about your state of health. Dr. Amir Khangeneral practitioner, and Noel Wickspharmacist, recall that the feet are often the first to send warning signals. And in many cases, these signs are ignored.
Cold or swollen feet may indicate heart disease
Cardiovascular diseases are often referred to as “silent killers.” But according to Noel Wicks, the feet can be the first witnesses. For what ? Because
the blood vessels in the toes are very thin
and sensitive to traffic disruptions.
Symptoms that should alert you:
- Cold or numb feet;
- Pain or swelling after prolonged standing;
- Brittle, thickened or weak nails.
“Thickening Nails May Also Be Linked to Heart Problems“, explains Noel Wicks. And that’s not all: poor circulation can also cause
pain in the legs when walkingof the
tinglinga burning sensationor even wounds that take time to heal.
All these signals should encourage people to consultespecially if they appear without any apparent explanation.
Diabetes can show itself… through the feet
Another serious illness that is expressed quietly: type 2 diabetes. And here again, feet can be the first to speak. Too high a sugar level in the blood gradually damages nerves and small vesselsleading to loss of sensitivity and an increased risk of infections.
Common symptoms according to Dr Amir Khan:
- Tingling, burning, unexplained pain;
- Loss of sensitivity to touch or pain;
- Dry, cracked, or blistered skin;
- Frequent mycosessuch as athlete’s foot or nail infections.
These signs are not trivial. In the absence of prompt treatment, they can progress to severe complicationssuch as diabetic foot ulcer. And in the most serious cases,
until amputation.
When should you consult?
The experts are clear: better to consult too early than too late. A simple check-up with the doctor or podiatrist can:
- To detect beginning diabetes;
- Of prevent cardiovascular pathology;
- To treat an infection in time that could get worse.
Because the feet, often neglected, are nevertheless one of the best barometers of your general health.