AnnaMaria
What Your Feet and Toes Might Be Telling You
It’s easy to overlook your feet—unless you’re treating yourself to a pedicure or foot massage. But a closer look can reveal early warning signs of deeper health issues. Here are a few things your feet might be saying about your overall well-being:
Heart Issues
Notice your feet or ankles swelling? Conditions like heart failure can lead to fluid buildup in the lower extremities.
Kidney Problems
Swelling can also be caused by the kidneys not working as they should. When kidneys struggle, fluid stays in the body instead of being filtered out, often showing up as puffy feet.
Liver Disease
If the liver isn’t functioning well—such as in cirrhosis—fluid balance is disrupted, which can lead to swelling in the legs and feet.
Venous Insufficiency
Healthy veins carry blood back to the heart. If they’re not doing their job, fluid can collect in the feet and legs, causing persistent puffiness.
Lymphatic System Disorders
Blocked or damaged lymph nodes may result in lymphedema—chronic swelling, especially in the feet and ankles.
Infections
Swelling, redness, and pain in one foot can sometimes point to an infection like cellulitis. Don’t ignore these symptoms if they appear suddenly.
Medications
Some medications, including steroids, certain blood pressure drugs, and some antidepressants, list swelling as a side effect. If you notice changes after starting a new prescription, let your healthcare provider know.
Pregnancy
Swollen feet are common in pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. However, sudden or severe swelling can be a warning sign for preeclampsia and should be checked by a doctor.
Sometimes, your feet are the first to show that something else is going on in your body. Noticing these signals early can make all the difference—so give your feet a little more attention the next time you kick off your shoes.
Just that.
