3 Podiatric Symptoms that May Mean More Than You Think
At Pasco-Hernando Foot & Ankle, we know that many of our patients may put off getting foot symptoms evaluated if they seem commonplace or if they are not terribly painful or uncomfortable. But this can be a mistake. Your feet may be trying to tell you that there’s a bigger problem going on. Below are three podiatric symptoms that could be pointing to a more serious concern.
Frequent bacterial or fungal infections—athlete’s foot, fungal toenails, and warts may seem like minor annoyances, but if they are occurring more often than you’ve experienced in the past, it may be time to get your blood sugar tested. Patients with diabetes tend to have decreased immunity and poor circulation, which can result in more foot infections.
Intermittent pain on the top of your foot—you notice that now and then the top of your foot aches or seems very sore. It may even appear swollen at times, making it hard to get your shoes on. But then the pain goes away, and you don’t think about it until it starts to hurt again. Many patients write this off as just the consequence of spending too much time on their feet, but these symptoms may also indicate a stress fracture. Tiny hairline breaks in a bone can be caused by overuse, improper shoes, or it may be a sign of osteoporosis. Left untreated, stress fractures can turn into a complete break in the bone.
Cold feet—your first response to chilly toes might be to put on heavier socks. If this doesn’t work, however, cold feet can be the result of poor circulation, a condition frequently associated with arterial disease or neuropathy caused by diabetes. Feet that have become incredibly sensitive to cold conditions and turn white or red and even hurt in chilly settings can be a sign of Raynaud’s syndrome.
The bottom line is that no symptom is too trivial to be evaluated by our podiatrist, Dr. Lawrence J. Kales. We’d always rather our patients be safe than sorry. So if you’re experiencing pain, discomfort or have noticed any other unusual symptoms in your feet, contact our Hudson office by calling 727-868-2128 or 352-683-5799 and make an appointment today.