Certain symptoms suggest that a more serious condition may be brewing beneath the surface. By recognizing these symptoms early, we can intervene before a more serious threat to our health occurs. With that in mind, we want to use today’s blog to spotlight four foot symptoms you should never ignore because they may lead to a more serious issue if left untreated.
Don’t Ignore These Four Foot Symptoms
It pays to be proactive, especially when it comes to the health of your feet. Here are four symptoms to watch for:
1. Swelling – Swelling is a sign that your feet are retaining fluid, which could be suggestive of a few different conditions. If you’re pregnant, then swollen feet may be a direct result of your body working hard to aid in the development of the unborn child. But if you’re not expecting a child, swollen feet could be indicative of an issue with your heart or kidneys. Fluid pooling and fluid retention in your feet can be a sign of kidney damage, diabetes or an early sign of heart failure. Have your swollen feet looked at by a professional, especially if there is no reason to expect them to be swollen.
2. Numbness – Numbness or a tingling sensation in parts or all over your foot may suggest that you’re dealing with nerve damage in the feet. This may be the result of diabetes or a similar nerve issue, and it warrants your attention so that the condition doesn’t worsen. If your foot falls asleep on the couch, it may not be much of a concern, but if you’re regularly noticing foot or ankle numbness, bring it up to your physician.
3. Bunion Formation – If you notice the onset or progression of a bony prominence on the side of the base of your big toe, there’s a good chance that your big toe joint has begun to shift out of a normal position. Even if it’s not yet painful, the bunion will continue to progress if counter measures aren’t taken, and eventually it will become painful and debilitating. Once a bunion has shifted significantly out of place, the only viable treatment option is surgery. The sooner you work to address the beginning stages of a bunion, the less likely it is to progress to the point where surgery is needed.
4. Discoloration – Finally, if your ankles or feet are discolored, it could be a sign of a circulation or vascular problem inside your body. If you’re dealing with discoloration that isn’t the result of trauma to the ankle (like what you might experience after an ankle sprain), you’ll want to consult with a specialist. Unexplained foot discoloration is not a symptom you should ignore.
For more information, reach out to Dr. Silverman by filling out this contact form.