Your feet, often overlooked, hold valuable clues about your overall health. They serve as a mirror reflecting various underlying conditions that might otherwise go unnoticed. Paying attention to subtle signs can provide insight into your well-being. For instance, cold feet could indicate poor circulation, while dry, cracked skin might suggest dehydration or a nutrient deficiency. Swelling may signal issues with your heart, kidneys, or lymphatic system. Additionally, changes in toenails, such as discoloration or thickening, may hint at fungal infections or more serious ailments like diabetes or psoriasis. Moreover, persistent foot pain might not just be due to overuse but could signify conditions like plantar fasciitis or arthritis. Therefore, by observing and heeding the messages your feet convey, you can take proactive steps toward maintaining optimal health and addressing potential concerns before they escalate. After all, your feet are more than just the foundation of your body, they are valuable indicators of your overall well-being. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who may find underlying health issues and offer you specific treatment plans.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists from Plaza Podiatry. Our doctors will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Baltimore, Lutherville, and Dundalk, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.