When we at PediFix Medical Footcare say clean, inspect, prevent, we are talking about taking care of your feet, and your overall health. Be alert and pay attention to possible warning signs your body can be showing you. Your feet are especially sensitive to changes in your physiology. I’m not a doctor, but I’ve compiled a short list of warning signs your feet may be showing you.
Always consult your doctor if something doesn’t feel right, especially for more than a few days.
1. Morning Pain & Stiffness
Foot pain or numbness in the morning can or after prolonged sitting be an indication of plantar fasciitis or rheumatoid arthritis. Plantar fasciitis is a common condition caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament in your foot. It’s a painful condition that worsens as you sleep. Stretching and walking make the foot feel better as time goes on. PediFix.com has several instant and proven plantar fasciitis solutions to help you feel better fast.
Cramps happen when your body isn’t getting enough potassium, calcium, and magnesium. A balanced diet, supplements, and hydration can help deter them and reduce the chances of uncomfortable and unsettling morning foot cramping. Rheumatoid arthritis or RA inflames joints and can cause tremendous pain, even in smaller joints of the feet. Stretching and medication from your doctor can help improve your quality of life with RA.
2. Pain Walking or Active, Little to None When Resting
This could be an indication of a stress fracture from Osteoporosis. Repeated impact stressors and activity most often cause these hairline cracks in the bone. You doctor can check for injury and evaluate calcium and vitamin D levels.
3. Dry, Patchy Skin
Dry, patchy skin could be a sign of athlete’s foot, psoriasis, changes in the weather. If you have red, flaky patches, itchy, peeling or cracked skin, especially on the heels, you can help treat the condition with effective soaps, creams, and Gel moisture products from PediFix Medical Footcare. It can also be an indicator of diabetes or thyroid condition. If you notice the condition is worsening, becoming painful or not healing correctly, please consult your doctor.
4. Discoloration on or Under Your Toenails
Fungal infections or onychomycosis can cause discoloration, changes in texture, and thickening of toenails. It’s a non-serious, but stubborn condition to treat, even when caught early on. PediFix.com has several effective products to help wash away fungus and bacteria from the skin surface and even improve nail appearance. Banging or stubbing your toe can bruise the toe, causing a discoloration. This darker discoloration under your toenail isn’t alarming if you know what caused it. However, if you notice a similar discoloration or dark lines under your nail without a reason to explain it, please speak with your doctor. It can sometimes be an early indicator of melanoma.
5. Bare Toes, Spasms, Numbness in Feet
It’s not something anyone usually looks for, but when you notice the fine hair found on your toes begin thin and fall out entirely, it could be a sign of reduced blood flow to the feet. It may indicate a higher risk for cardiovascular disease, including peripheral artery disease (PAD) and coronary artery disease (CAD) is present. Atherosclerosis is caused by a buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on your arteries, causing plaque which can restrict oxygen-rich blood flow and affect healthy circulation.
If left untreated, this kind of condition can lead put you at risk for amputation or even a heart attack or stroke. Swollen feet or ankles can also be a sign of circulatory problems along with heart, kidney, or liver failure. Regular bouts of numbness or wounds that have a difficult time healing could mean you have neuropathy or have type 2 diabetes.
Keep in mind also that proper management of other health conditions like diabetes can also decrease your risk for PAD. Maintain a balanced diet low in saturated and trans-fat to maintain a healthier blood cholesterol level, exercise regularly, and visit your doctor for a program that can help you maintain your overall health.
If you have questions about the signs and symptoms of foot ailments or any of the quality pain relief products from PediFix, please reach out to us at pedifix.com or by phone at 1-800-PEDIFIX (733-4349) to speak directly to a product specialist today.
PediFix Medical Footcare. 256 Ways to Relieve Foot Pain.