Cold feet, thickening nails or recurring fungal infections: behind these small daily annoyances, there are sometimes hidden warning signals that the body sends. According to Dr Amir Khan and British pharmacist Noel Wicks, these harmless symptoms can be the first clues to a cardiovascular disorder or type 2 diabetes.
When the feet reveal a heart problem
Cardiovascular diseases are often referred to as “silent killers” because they progress without obvious symptoms before causing an emergency. However, the feet can be the first witnesses. Noel Wicks explains that the blood vessels in the toes, which are particularly thin and sensitive, are among the first to suffer when the arteries become blocked. When blood circulation slows, oxygen reaches the extremities less well, causing several visible signs:
- Cold or numb feet, reflecting poor blood circulation;
- Pain or swelling after standing for a long time;
- Brittle or thickened nails, a sign of insufficient blood supply.
“Thickening and brittle toenails may also be linked to heart disease” underlines Noel Wicks. “Fat buildup in the blood vessels can affect the legs and cause other symptoms such as leg pain when walking (with intermittent limping), tingling or burning sensation in the feet, and sores that heal poorly or not at all.“. So many manifestations that should not be ignored. Experts recommend consulting a doctor as soon as these signs appear to rule out a circulatory disorder.
Diabetes, a silent danger for the feet
Type 2 diabetes, too, progresses discreetly, sometimes for years. But the first signals can, again, appear in the feet. Excess sugar in the blood gradually damages vessels and nerves, causing loss of sensitivity and damage that goes unnoticed. “Signs of diabetes on the feet are often vague and easy to miss“warns Dr. Amir Khan. Among these signs: tingling, burning, dry and cracked skin, or wounds that heal poorly. Fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot or nail fungus, are also common in people with diabetes.
This lack of sensitivity increases the risk of infection and serious complications, such as diabetic foot ulcers. If not treated promptly, these injuries can lead to amputations. Hence the importance of early treatment and regular monitoring, to preserve mobility and health.
When to consult? Signals not to be overlooked
Certain sensations should prompt you to consult a healthcare professional: numbness, pain when walking, a wound that does not heal or a change in color or texture of the skin. These symptoms, if they persist, may indicate a circulatory or metabolic disorder.
Monitoring your feet is therefore much more than a question of hygiene: it is sometimes a way of avoiding serious complications. Doctors point out that simple regular observation and preventive actions (moisturizing your feet, cutting nails straight, wearing comfortable shoes) can help detect an underlying disease in time.