Assessing Internal Body Health Through Nails and Foot Shape
Some specific illnesses can cause problems in the lower legs, for example,Diabetescan lead toincreased blood circulationwhich may cause blood vessel problems. To prevent unwanted symptoms, it’s important to understand which internal organs are damaged and causing complications. Some of these issues affect the nails and foot shape, which is why in this section of health,SelMagzwe explore foot disorders that indicate internal health problems.
Changes in feet and nails indicating hidden diseases in the body
Leg swelling:
Swelling in the feet and calves can result from prolonged standing, but these symptoms may also be signs of illness. While swelling affects different parts of the body, pay close attention to changes in the feet, ankles, knees, and arms.
Conditions associated with leg swelling:
Heart diseases: Heart conditions can cause fluid accumulation in the feet and calves.
Vascular problems: Blood vessels may fail to pump blood properly, causing blood to collect in the legs.
Lymphatic system issues: Swollen feet and arms can occur when lymph nodes or vessels are blocked, interfering with fluid flow in the body.
Liver problems: Swelling might be due to liver failure in producing blood proteins.
Chronic skin wounds
Uncontrolled diabetes can damage the nervous system and disrupt blood circulation, which impairs blood supply to the feet. Poor blood flow reduces the chances of proper wound healing. Therefore, experts recommend blood sugar testing if you have chronic or untreated foot wounds, as they could indicate diabetes.Blood sugar levelsbecause you may have diabetes.
Blue or purple skin on the feet
You might notice this when the weather is very cold, but some conditions cause the toes to change color even in warm weather.
– Conditions related to skin color changes:
A condition called Raynaud’s syndrome causes blood vessels to contract or become blocked, leading to color changes in the toes.
Thin red lines under the toenails:
Red, thin lines beneath toenails, especially on the big toe, indicate blood clots in the vessels, which can cause tiny capillaries to rupture under the nail. This may signal heart problems or internal infections; individuals with a history of heart disease should consult a doctor if they notice these signs.
Spoon-shaped nails:
If the big toenail is deeply indented and shaped like a spoon, the body may be lacking iron, or you might haveanemiaor even lupus.
Painful lumps on fingers or toes:
Sudden or gradually enlarging painful lumps on the fingers or toes should not be ignored; see a doctor immediately.
– Conditions related to painful lumps:
You might have bacterial endocarditis, an infection of the heart lining. Usually,antibioticsare effective in treating these issues, and surgery is often not needed.
Thyroid dysfunction:
Severe dry and cracked heels and soles unresponsive to moisturizers can be signs of thyroid problems, especially if skin dryness persists despite regular care. Improperthyroidfunction can cause poor development and severe dryness, leading to cracks in the soles of the feet.
– Conditions related to thyroid disorders
Cold feet
Women over forty experiencing persistent coldness in their feet are likely suffering fromhypothyroidismor thyroid underactivity. Thyroid dysfunction can cause temperature changes in the extremities like the feet.
Fingernail hair loss
Normally, toenails have fine, fuzzy hair. If this hair suddenly falls out, it could indicate vascular diseases, as hair loss on the feet may reflect blood circulation issues due to vascular problems. One of the signs of vascular disease is slowed or uneven hair growth on the feet and knees. Narrowing of foot arteries and hair loss are used by doctors to diagnose heart conditions.
Shrinking of the big toe:
If you notice tiny holes or deep lines on your big toe nail, you might have nail psoriasis. Unfortunately, people with nail psoriasis often developpsoriasisskin issues as well. If diagnosed with nail psoriasis, see a specialist promptly.
Unexplained bruising on legs:
When we bump into objects, bruises can form. However, sometimes blue spots appear randomly and persist for a long time without clear reason.
– Conditions related to unexplained bruising:
Liver disease
and certain autoimmune diseases when the immune system attacks the body mistakenly.
- Vascular inflammation
- Blood disorders
Red spots on legs:
In previous health sections on SelMagz, we explained that skin rashes are common and can be caused by various illnesses. These spots can be bright red, dark red, or even purple. In some cases, rashes are itchy, indicating allergic reactions or serious health issues.
– Conditions related to red spots:
Vascular inflammation
Some autoimmune diseases such asLupusor rheumatoid arthritis
Painful, inflamed big toes
If the big toe is enlarged and experiences chronic pain or sudden painful attacks, you should review your diet and consult a doctor. Excessive consumption of red meat andprotein-rich foodscan cause these symptoms, which are signs of gout.Goutaffects the joints of the big toe, causing joint pain.
Spider veins appearance on legs:
Spider veins can appear duringpregnancyor due to obesity and lack of exercise. This condition is often a sign ofvaricose veinsand may sometimes cause slight pain.
– Conditions related to spider veins appearance:
Varicose veins are quite common today, affecting about 30% of people. This disease causes superficial veins to become large and twisted.
Clubfoot:
One problem in toes, especially the big toe, is deformity, swelling, and pain, often called clubfoot. This may be a sign of heart disease, lung cancer, or chronic infectious diseases. Heart and lung diseases can reduce vascular resistance, increasing blood flow to the toes and tiny vessels.Lung canceralso reduces blood vessel resistance, leading to increased blood flow in the toes.
Vertical lines under the toenails:
Dark vertical lines beneath the big toe nail can indicate melanoma, a type ofskin cancerTypically appearing as dark vertical lines starting from the nail bed and extending to the tip of the nail.
