These 9 Foot Issues Could Point to a Thyroid Problem
Our feet are gateways into the health of other areas of our body. For many diseases or issues, the feet often give telltale clues to doctors to figure out what is going on with their patients. Two common issues that feet often help diagnose are hyper and hypothyroidism. Thyroid issues don’t always exhibit obvious symptoms in the early stages, but they can result in several health complications if left untreated.
Here are a few of the foot issues that often come with thyroid issues:
Dry cracked feet with calluses: Many people with hypothyroidism report having rough, dry, coarse skin accompanied by calluses - especially on their feet.
Bloated feet: Bloat can be associated with many issues like diabetes, skin infections, heart disease, or kidney dysfunction, but it is also commonly seen with hypothyroidism.
Smelly or sweaty feet: One of the most common symptoms that comes with hyperthyroidism is excessive sweating - especially in the feet. The sweat creates a breeding ground for bacteria that can make your feet stink.
Foot cramping and pain: Hypothyroidism occasionally comes along with nerve, muscle, and joint pain, which can cause serious foot cramps.
Itchy feet: Thyroid issues can severely dry your body out, which can leave you itchy or tingly all over, including your feet.
Yellowing of the soles of the feet: Thyroid conditions often make it difficult for the body to absorb beta-carotene into Vitamin A, causing an excess of beta-carotene to accumulate. This accumulation creates a yellowing appearance in the hands and soles of the feet.
Toenail issues: An excess or a lack of thyroid hormones can cause abnormalities in the fingernails and toenails.
Cold feet: When thyroid function is reduced, circulation decreases. In some patients with thyroid issues, the skin can receive as little as 1/5th of its normal blood supply. Since warm blood is not pumping directly to your extremities, they can get cold quickly.
Foot infections: Athlete’s foot and fungal infections are more common when thyroid issues are present.
Your feet can show you a lot about the health of your thyroid and your body in general. If you’re dealing with any of the above listed issues, or any other foot or ankle problem, be sure to check in with a podiatrist! At Precision Foot and Ankle Centers, our dedicated board-certified foot doctors deal with a myriad of issues everyday. From sports injuries and heel pain to pediatric issues and surgery, Dr. Eric Feit, Dr. Alona Kashanian, and Dr. Roohbakhsh Maher are prepared to treat whatever patients need.
Need an appointment? Contact our locations in Los Angeles, Torrance, and San Pedro today!