April is National Foot Awareness Month, and your feet can provide important insights into your overall health. Dr. Joy Rowland, DPM, a podiatrist at Cleveland Clinic, explains that various disease processes can manifest in the feet. For example, swelling in the feet can be related to heart disease, kidney disease, lymphedema, or vascular disease. Dermatological problems like psoriasis can also be evident in the skin or toenails.
In some cases, foot pain may actually be a symptom of a different medical condition, such as nerve damage from a back injury. Dr. Rowland emphasizes the importance of seeking medical attention when experiencing foot discomfort, as it could be indicative of an underlying health issue. She may order additional tests to confirm a suspected diagnosis in these situations.
Not only can your feet provide insight into your health, but your toenails can also indicate potential issues. Thickened, crumbly or brittle toenails could be a sign of psoriasis or fungal nail infection or dystrophy. Nail dystrophy results from repeated injury to the toenail and is distinct from other conditions. Dr. Rowland encourages individuals to seek evaluation from a podiatrist if they have concerns about their toenail health.
It is common for people to overlook foot discomfort and delay seeking medical attention despite the potential benefits of timely evaluation and treatment for optimal health and well-being
