We often don’t stop to look at our feet, and you should know that, besides supporting our body weight, they have many nerves and blood vessels that are directly connected to the heart, the brain, and even the spine.
It’s important to look at their texture, color, and shape, because depending on that, they may be giving you a warning sign about your health.
Always cold feet
If your feet are always cold, it may be due to poor blood circulation. If less blood reaches the parts of the body farthest from the heart, the temperature in the feet drops. If you’re over 40 and often feel fatigued, have dryness, and gain weight, among other symptoms, it may be due to metabolic changes. Poor circulation is linked to heart problems. Moving your ankles helps circulation, especially when you spend a long time sitting or standing.
Cramps
If this happens to you, it may mean you have a mineral deficiency, or it may be due to dehydration or exercise. You may have low levels of calcium, potassium, or magnesium. Apply cold-water or alcohol compresses and stretch your feet before going to sleep. Wear comfortable shoes that don’t pinch and don’t bother you when walking or running.
Joint pain
If your toes and fingers hurt, it may be rheumatoid arthritis; however, this is a symptom you should take seriously—see a specialist to rule out the disease.
When walking feels like torture
If walking takes a huge, painful effort, it may be plantar fasciitis—an inflammation of the ligament on the sole of the foot that causes pain when you walk or run. Apply ice, use pain-relief gel, and rest. See a podiatrist as soon as possible to prevent your pain from becoming chronic. You can stretch your muscles and tendons by walking on tiptoes, picking up a towel with your feet, or rolling a ball. If you’re a runner, take a break for a while and follow your specialist podiatrist’s recommendations.
You can watch this explanatory video with the stretches I suggest:
Pain and inflammation
Feet swell for many reasons.
Emotional problems often affect our movement and posture, which directly impacts the feet. Another cause is pregnancy; in this case there are usually no obvious problems, but rule out poor circulation.
You should know that our feet are a window through which we can see what’s happening in our body—despite what they say about the face being the mirror of the soul.
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For any inquiries, the Pie Vital team will be happy to answer your questions at the clinic with our specialized professionals.
SOURCES: lecturas.com, eldeber.com, bioguia.com, miarevista.es.