Pharmacist reveals two warning signs of silent killer that you might spot in your feet

We all know diet and exercise are key to good health, but did you know your feet might be trying to tell you something important about your overall well-being?

For many of us, feet are the body part we’d rather avoid looking at—whether it’s because of embarrassment or the jokes we make about selling toe pictures to tide us over until payday. But according to experts, our feet could be holding valuable clues about serious health conditions.

When was the last time you gave your toes a proper inspection?

A pharmacist has issued a stern warning (Kinga Krzeminska/Getty)

Feet as a Window to Your Health

Noel Wicks, a pharmacist and advisor to Excilor, emphasizes the importance of paying attention to our feet and toenails. Speaking to the Express, Wicks revealed that certain changes in the feet could signal significant health issues.

“We need to keep an eye on our foot health, including our toenails, because it can impact our overall health and be a sign of [serious] health issues,” he explained.

Because the blood vessels in the toes are particularly small, they can easily become clogged or impaired, leading to symptoms such as cold, painful, swollen, or numb feet. These issues may be a warning sign of heart disease and shouldn’t be ignored.

It’s not just the skin on your feet that you need to monitor; changes in your toenails can also indicate underlying problems.

Toenails and Heart Disease

Thick, brittle toenails, for example, could be a symptom of heart disease. According to Wicks, this symptom occurs because poor circulation impacts the nails’ ability to grow and stay healthy.

Other issues, like tingling, burning, cracked skin, or sores that don’t heal, could point to a condition called peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Damaged feet can indicate that something is wrong (Kinga Krzeminska/Getty)

What Is Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)?

The NHS explains that PAD, also known as peripheral vascular disease, occurs when fatty deposits build up in the arteries, restricting blood flow to the legs.

Many people with PAD don’t notice any symptoms. However, some may experience:

• Pain or aching in the legs while walking: This discomfort typically disappears after a few minutes of rest, a symptom known as intermittent claudication.
• Other signs: Tingling, burning, dry or cracked skin, or wounds on the feet that are slow to heal.

Fungal infections, athlete’s foot, and thick yellow nails could also indicate more serious health concerns, such as diabetes or circulatory issues.

Diabetes and Foot Health

Your feet can reveal early signs of diabetes as well. Thick yellow toenails or fungal infections may indicate poor blood sugar control, while symptoms like constant tiredness, unexplained weight loss, or extreme sleepiness after meals could further suggest the condition.

What Else Should You Look Out For?

Heart disease may also present symptoms beyond your feet, including:

• Chest pain
• Heart palpitations
• Shortness of breath

If you notice any of these symptoms, along with changes in your feet, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional.

Thick toenails can be a sign of something more sinister happening behind the scenes (Ekaterina Rekina/Getty)

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Your Feet

While it might feel awkward to examine your feet closely, it’s time to put embarrassment aside. Regularly checking your feet for signs of discoloration, swelling, sores, or unusual nail changes can help you catch health issues early—before they become serious.

So, the next time you think about skipping a look at your toes, remember: Your feet might just save your life.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images