If you've ever had foot problems, you know that they can be pretty darn annoying. Aching heels, blisters, and athlete's foot can make it tough to get around. But did you know that your feet can also say a lot about your health? In fact, your feet might be the window to understanding some of the other issues going on in your body. Here are a few things that your feet may be trying to tell you.
- Swollen ankles or feet
When your feet and ankles are swollen, it means that there is an accumulation of fluid in these areas. This can be the result of various conditions, such as pregnancy, heart failure, or kidney disease, just to name a few. In some cases, swelling in the feet and ankles may also be a sign of a more serious condition, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
A DVT is a blood clot that forms in a deeper vein in the body, usually the lower legs. DVT typically presents as swelling in one leg and pain in your calf.
Patients typically say it feels “really sore” or described a “cramp in the calf that won't resolve”.
DVT's are serious medical conditions and treatment should be sought IMMEDIATELY.
- Cracks in the skin
When your skin is dry, it can lead to cracks. Cracks in the skin are most commonly found on the heels or soles of the feet but can also occur on the hands or other areas of the body. Cracks in the skin can be painful and can make it difficult to walk or stand.
There are several reasons why your skin may become dry and cracked. One reason is dehydration. When your body does not have enough water, it can cause the skin to become dry and cracked. Another reason is exposure to harsh weather conditions, such as cold temperatures or wind. If you are not properly moisturizing your skin, it can also lead to dryness and cracking.
If you have dry, cracked skin, there are several things you can do to prevent it from happening. One thing you can do is to drink plenty of water. This will help to keep your skin hydrated. Another thing you can do is to use a moisturizer on your skin. We recommend using Mod Pod Nourish, a 3-in-1 moisturizer that provides optimal hydration, fights fungus and bacteria, and reduces tension.
- Sores or ulcers that don’t heal
When you have sores or ulcers on your feet that don't heal, it can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. Diabetes is one possible cause, as it can lead to nerve damage and poor circulation. Other potential causes include certain autoimmune diseases, infections, and even certain types of cancer.
- Cold feet
There are a few things that can cause cold feet, and most of them are nothing to worry about. However, if you consistently have cold feet, it could be a sign of poor circulation. Poor circulation can be caused by a number of things, including smoking, diabetes, and peripheral artery disease (PAD).
- Hot feet
If you're experiencing hot feet, it can be a sign of inflammation. This could be due to an infection, arthritis, or even gout.
There are several things that you can do to reduce inflammation. You can take oral anti-inflammatories, ice, or use a topical pain reliever called Mod Pod Soothe. Soothe contains 1000mg of CBD, arnica, eucalyptus, and lavender oils. This ultra-potent combination will reduce pain for a minimum of 4 hours.
Laser therapy is also a great way to reduce inflammation. Our FDA-Cleared laser uses concentrated light energy to stimulate the body’s own healing process to minimize pain, inflammation and promote healing. Most patients feel a 75% reduction in pain after just six laser treatments!
Note: All lasers are not made the same. Do your homework to make sure it’s the best laser for YOU!
- Pain in feet
If you're experiencing pain in your feet, it's important to pay attention to what your body is trying to tell you. Foot pain can be a sign of a serious health condition, and ignoring it can lead to further complications down the road.
There are many different causes of foot pain, but some of the most common include:
- Arthritis: Arthritis is a common cause of foot pain, especially in older adults. Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, occurs when the cartilage that cushions your bones breaks down over time. This can lead to pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints.
- Bunions: A bunion is a deformity of the big toe joint. It can cause the big toe to point inward, toward the other toes. This can lead to pain, swelling, and redness in the area.
- Plantar fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. It is often caused by overuse or repetitive motions.
- Stress fractures: Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bones that can occur due to overuse or repetitive motions. They are common in the feet and ankles and can cause pain, swelling, and bruising. Note: You don’t have to have an injury to cause a stress fracture. These micro-cracks can be created while just standing or walking.
Treatment for foot pain will vary depending on the cause, but may include rest, ice, prescription medications, over-the-counter pain relievers, steroid injections, and laser therapy mentioned above.
Feet are often the most neglected part of our bodies when it comes to health, but they can actually tell us a lot about our overall well-being. From bunions and plantar fasciitis to diabetes and thyroid problems, your feet can give you some important clues about what might be going on in the rest of your body. If you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort in your feet, don’t wait – call us at 859-264-1141 or schedule an appointment online today! Your feet will thank you for it