Healthy Living The Healthy Truth About Your Feet
As odd as it may seem, your feet may be the window to your overall body health. Here are some things to look for regarding your feet that will give you clues that there may be other important body issues to investigate.
Thick, yellow toenails -
Toenails are not supposed to be thick and/or yellow. Thick, yellow nails are most often an indication of a fungal infection living beneath your toenails. People that have other medical conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and other immune deficiencies are more likely to get a fungal infection than those that do not have these conditions. To treat thick, yellow toenails, you will need to consult a podiatrist. While there are plenty of over-the-counter treatments for thick, yellow toenails, by the time your nails are already discolored and thick it is too late for any over-the-counter creams or medicines to work. You must discuss your options with a professional.
No hair on your feet or toes –
If your feet or toes are lacking hair, it can be a sign of having poor circulation because of vascular disease. If you notice that your feet and toes do not have any hair on them, you will want to consult your doctor to find out ways to improve your circulation thereby reducing your risk of acquiring vascular disease.
A wound that won’t heal on your foot – Wounds on your feet that just won’t heal could be an indication of diabetes. Over time, elevated blood glucose levels can lead to serious nerve damage in your feet and because of this damage you may not feel when you have a sore or a wound on your foot. If your wound continues to go unhealed there could be major problems, including amputation. If you notice a wound that won’t heal on your feet, be sure to contact your doctor to discuss your wound.