Your feet often serve as a silent indicator of overall health, offering valuable clues about systemic diseases that may be lurking within the body. Recognizing these signs can be helpful for early detection and treatment. One of the most common signs is numbness or tingling in the feet, which can be indicative of diabetes or peripheral neuropathy. Discoloration or changes in nail texture may signify conditions such as fungal infections or psoriasis. Swelling in the feet and ankles can be a sign of heart, kidney, or liver problems. Additionally, poor circulation, often indicated by cold or pale feet, can be a symptom of vascular disease. If you notice any persistent or unusual changes in your feet, it is suggested that you consult a chiropodist for a comprehensive evaluation.
Systemic diseases are medical problems that affect the entire body. Many systemic diseases can bring about foot and ankle problems. If you have a systemic disease that affects your lower limbs, please consult with Chiropodist Stephanie Poupore from North Bay Foot & Ankle. Our clinician can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility.
Which systemic diseases can affect the feet?
Peripheral artery disease - Causes inadequate blood flow to the lower limbs
Peripheral neuropathy - Nerve damage in the nerves that supply the feet and ankles
Diabetes - Can cause nerve damage, poor circulation, and a weakened immune system that can lead to the formation of poorly healing wounds on the feet
Arthritis - A disease of the joints that damages joint lining, it often affects the small joints of the feet and the ankle joints
Gout - A build up of uric acid in the bloodstream that forms crystals that can lodge in the joints
How can a chiropodist help?
Chiropodists help people who have systemic disease manage and maintain their foot health in a variety of ways. They can diagnose a multitude of foot and ankle problems, screen for certain systemic conditions, teach patients about proper foot care, and provide information about preventive strategies that patients could employ to avoid complications from their systemic diseases. Chiropodists can also treat foot and ankle problems through medications, foot and ankle exercises, orthotics, and lifestyle recommendations, among many other potential treatments
If you are living with a systemic illness that impacts your foot health, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
