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Are your feet
telling you
something?
The Australian Podiatry Council suggests that
the condition of our feet can often provide early
indications of other health conditions. The following
list is not a comprehensive list or a diagnosis for
individual cases. Symptoms presented may be caused
by other conditions, and the conditions mentioned
may cause differing symptoms. A positive is that you
may be prompted to seek further advice from your
health professional.
Spoon-shaped indentations on toenails
May indicate iron deficiency anaemia. Often appears as
an unnatural, concave or spoon like shape on fingernails
and toenails. The nails may also be brittle and feet may
feel cold. Fatigue is the number-one sign of anaemia,
as is shortness of breath, dizziness when standing and
headache. A visit to the doctor and a blood test is
usually used to diagnose anaemia.
Hairless feet or toes in men
May indicate poor circulation. This may be caused by
vascular disease which would require your doctors’
diagnosis. Treating the underlying vascular issues can
improve circulation.
Frequent foot cramping
May indicate insufficient diet in calcium, potassium or
magnesium, but can be triggered by many things such as
exercise, dehydration and poor circulation. Try to flex the
foot and massage the painful area. You may also be able
to relax the muscle by applying a cold pack or heat pad.
To help prevent night cramps, stretch your feet before you
go to bed. If foot cramps are regular consult your doctor.
A sore that won't heal on the bottom of the foot
May indicate undiagnosed diabetes. If you have been
experiencing persistent thirst, frequent urination,
increased fatigue, blurry vision, extreme hunger or
weight loss, or are concerned about slow healing foot
wounds, see your doctor for an evaluation.
Types of conjunctivitis
There can be many causes of conjunctivitis including
chemicals, fungi, certain diseases, contact lens use, air
pollution and irritations by foreign bodies, but most
commonly from allergens, bacteria and viruses.
Cold feet
May indicate a thyroid issue or poor circulation. If you
also have other troublesome health issues, mention the
cold feet to your doctor.
Thick, yellow, cracked toenails
May indicate a fungal infection. The nails may also smell
bad and change colours. See your pharmacist, doctor or
podiatrist for antifungal treatment.
A suddenly enlarged big toe
May indicate gout (a form of arthritis). This may
accompany shiny red or purplish skin along with a
sensation of heat and pain. See your doctor about
treating and controlling the causes of gout, and a
podiatrist can help relieve p ain and preserve function.
Sore toe joints
May indicate Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Swelling and
stiffness usually accompany the aches. This pain tends to
be symmetrical e.g. it happens simultaneously in both big
toes. See a doctor for diagnosis and treatment plans.
Dry, flaky itchy skin on feet
May indicate a fungal infection (athlete’s foot). Athlete's
foot usually shows up between the toes first. It can
spread to the soles and even to other parts of the body.
See your pharmacist or doctor for treatment options.
Toes that bump upward at the tips
May indicate clubbed toes when the very tips of the toes
swell. This can be a sign of lung disease, heart disease
and certain gastrointestinal problems. Fingers can be
clubbed as well as toes. It can happen in just some
digits, or in all. Treatment depends on the underlying
cause, so report this serious symptom to a doctor.
Shooting pain in the heel
May indicate plantar fasciitis. The pain usually intensifies
as the day wears on. It's usually concentrated in the heel
but can also be felt in the arch or in the back of the foot.
Running, weight gain, and walking a lot in insufficient
supported foot wear can cause it. If pain persists more
than a few weeks or worsens see a podiatrist.
Smelly feet
Is mostly caused by a combination of sweat and
bacteria. Sweat does not smell, but can create an
environment for certain bacteria to grow and produce
smelly substances. Wash feet with antibacterial soap
and dry feet well. Wear cotton breathable socks.
Police Health offers generous benefits for podiatry
treatment $700 per annum with a possible $1400
with Rollover Benefits.
This article provides a general summary only. Professional
advice should be sought about specific cases. Police Health is
not responsible for any error or omission in this article. The
information provided reflects the view of the organisations
from which the information has been sourced and does not
represent any recommendations or views of Police Health.
Information Sourced From; Australian Podiatry Council, Australian
Podiatry Association (VIC), Ministry Health Care, Caring.com.
Police Health Ph: 1800 603 603 www.policehealth.com.au