Are you aware of these nine foot symptoms that could indicate a serious illness?

The feet are an important part of our body and the source of our body's total energy. In addition, the feet can also convey the condition of our body. Whether it is the skin, toenails, heels or any other part of our feet, they can send a very important alarm to our body. Next, I will explain to you some symptoms about the feet.

1. Sudden swelling of toes

Gout or other inflammatory problems

The toes and other joints are the main sites of gout attacks. At this time, there will be pain and swelling. The swelling of the toe joints may also be caused by inflammation of other related parts, so we must see a doctor as soon as possible.

2. Bunions

Hereditary foot defects

The symptoms of bunion may be related to wearing ill-fitting shoes, but it is more related to genetic factors, because the inherited bone structure causes the big toe to be squeezed towards the other toes. Experts believe that we need to walk without shoes more often, move more parts of our body, and wear comfortable shoes when we go out.

3. Feet become smooth and hairless

Circulatory and metabolic problems

There are some hairs on the feet near the toes. If you suddenly find that they become smooth one day, it means that the body's metabolic function has declined, resulting in blood being unable to flow to the extremities of the body and provide nutrients to the hair follicles. It may also be a sign of heart weakness. You can ask a doctor to help measure your pulse and check your heart function.

4. Frequent leg cramps

Insufficient nutrition and water content

There are many possible reasons for cramps. In severe cases, it may be a foot problem caused by genetic defects, while in mild cases, it may just be due to lack of nutrients in the body. If cramps occur during exercise, it means that muscle contraction is caused by insufficient water intake; consuming more foods containing minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium can also improve cramps. If you already have cramps, you can put your feet in hot water and slowly stretch your toes towards yourself to relieve them.

5. Cold feet

Hypothyroidism

Putting aside the cold hands and feet that are common among women, if your feet are as cold as if they were in a freezer even in the hot summer and cannot be warmed up no matter what, it may be due to low thyroid levels. If you are a middle-aged person over 40 years old, you should pay more attention to this problem. Other signs include hair loss, fatigue, rapid weight loss, depression, etc.

6. The wound on the foot won’t heal

Diabetes, skin cancer

If a foot wound does not heal for a long time and no specific cause can be found, be careful that it may be a warning sign of diabetes. Unstable blood sugar levels may cause nerve damage, making the feet numb or even insensitive to pain or any nerve touch. In severe cases, amputation may be required.

In addition, wounds that are difficult to heal may also be a sign of skin cancer. The skin is the largest organ in the body, and any part of the body may be the site of skin cancer. Therefore, do not ignore small wounds on your body. If they do not heal for a long time, remember to consult a dermatologist.

7. Heel pain

Plantar Fasciitis

When you sit up from the bed and the soles of your feet touch the ground, or when you stand up from a chair, you will feel obvious pain in the ligaments of your feet. Regardless of whether you are wearing slippers, sandals, or work shoes, the longer you walk or stand, the more intense the pain will be. Doctors will recommend not engaging in strenuous exercise or walking for long periods of time, and choosing appropriate shoes.

8. Skin peeling, itching, and scaling

Fungal infections

Wearing non-breathable shoes and socks for a long time and keeping your feet in a hot and humid environment will make you more likely to get fungal infections, commonly known as athlete's foot. You can apply anti-athlete's foot ointment for treatment and try to keep your feet dry and fresh.

9. Yellowing of nails

Fungal infection/nail polish deposits

Observe your nails carefully and find that they are turning yellow? Don't panic too much. First, think carefully about whether you have the habit of applying nail polish? If the nail polish is not removed and left for too long, the nails will turn dark yellow. As you age, your nails will become mottled and yellow. Another reason may be a fungal infection, just like athlete's foot.