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

Your feet might not be the first thing you consider when thinking about health issues, but they can provide important clues about serious conditions.

Signs of Health Issues in Your Feet

Pharmacist Noel Wicks, an advisor to Excilor, has highlighted how foot health can indicate potential medical problems. From persistent cuts to fungal infections, your feet may be signaling the need for a doctor’s visit.

Even your nails could be an indicator (Getty stock images)

Heart Disease and Your Feet

Since the blood vessels in your toes are small, they can easily become clogged with fat, leading to cold, painful, swollen, or numb feet—potential signs of heart disease.

Wicks explains that thick and brittle toenails may also be linked to heart conditions. Monitoring these changes can help with early detection and management.

Diabetes and Foot Health

Diabetes can also affect your feet, often showing subtle but significant symptoms. The NHS warns that Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), a condition where fatty deposits restrict blood flow to leg muscles, may be linked to diabetes.

According to the NHS: “Many people with PAD have no symptoms. However, some develop a painful ache in their legs when they walk, which usually disappears after a few minutes’ rest. The medical term for this is ‘intermittent claudication’.”

This pain can range from mild to severe and typically affects both legs, though one may be worse than the other.

Keep an eye on your feet (Getty stock images)

Warning Signs to Watch For

Be on the lookout for symptoms like:

• Tingling, pain, or burning sensations in the feet
• Dry, cracked skin
• Blisters or sores that don’t heal
• Fungal infections, including thick yellow nails
• Athlete’s foot

Ignoring these symptoms may lead to more severe health issues. If left untreated, heart disease symptoms may escalate to chest pain, palpitations, or shortness of breath. Unchecked diabetes can lead to constant fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or excessive sleepiness after meals.

Take Action

To prevent complications, regular foot check-ups are essential. If you notice any of these signs, consider visiting a doctor for further evaluation and potential treatment.

Featured Image Credit: Getty stock images