Toes and nails are more important than you think, so it is vital to be aware of any issues – which is especially important for those with diabetes or other serious health problems.
Most of us go through life not giving our feet a second thought, but if you’ve got cold toes, it could be a sign of a more serious condition.
It is vital to be aware of any issues with your toes and this is especially important for those with diabetes or other serious health problems. From signs of heart disease to fungal nail infections, there are many things that can be seen when you look a little closer at your feet. Toes and nails are more important than you would expect. Their condition can give us clues into our overall health especially if there are changes in appearance. Here we look at the 8 things they may tell you about your health.
Cold toes
Poor circulation can be a main cause of cold toes and is brought on by a variety of underlying medical conditions. These can include diabetes, peripheral artery disease, heart disease, varicose veins, clotting disorders, thyroid problems and conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
Changes in nail shape
The shape of your toenails can also be an indicator of health condition. If your toenails look curved or scooped it could be a sign of anemia, hypothyroidism or an autoimmune disorder. And if they have a ‘clubbed shape’ it can result from cystic fibrosis cardiovascular disease, lung cancer lung disease or low oxygen levels in the blood.
Swollen toes
Problems with the circulatory system, including poor blood flow or lymphatic issues, can result in a swelling of the toes. This can be triggered by fungal infections, traumatic injuries, psoriasis, and gout.
Deep vein thrombosis, kidney failure, taking antidepressants and steroids, or hormones can also cause toe swelling. But there are other possible reasons including standing in the same position for too long, wearing shoes that don’t fit properly, being overweight, suffering from dehydration, or eating salty foods that cause water retention
Tingling or numbness
A debilitating condition called peripheral neuropathy can cause tingling, numbness, or burning in the feet or toes. It is often caused by diabetes and results in complete loss of feeling in the feet and hands. Other symptoms may cause weakness, fatigue and muscle spasms.
Nail marks
Marks under the toenail can be a sign of psoriasis, a fungal infection, dermatitis, and also an indicator of melanoma. Dark vertical bands happen because of hormone shifts in pregnancy or from using nail polish. But they can indicate melanoma (skin cancer) and could signify fungal infections including an athlete’s foot in the nail bed.
Fungal infection
Fungal infections that feed on nails are not always discovered until their symptoms become more apparent. White or yellow spots or streaks under the nail can suggest an infection plus discoloration and darkening of the nail. Flaking or thickening of the nail can happen and toenails can become brittle and fall off. Frequent toenail infections could be caused by a weakened immune system or poor circulation.
Toe pain
If you have any pain in your feet or toes, visit a podiatrist immediately to determine the reason.