How Foot Health Affects Your Body

Many health experts believe that there is a critical link between foot health to overall health. The foot is a complex structure that consists of 26 bones, 33 joints, and numerous muscles, tendons, and ligaments that work together to support the weight of the body and facilitate movement. A change in your feet – whether on the skin, nails or how your feet feel can be an indicator of other health problems or problems in the rest of the body.

If you think about it, your feet are the support base for the whole locomotor system. They are the foundation of your legs and whole body, supporting you in your ability to stand, walk, and run.

Therefore, the health of your feet affects your whole body, and can even affect your organ health. If you experience foot pain, or your feet do not feel right, it can be an indicator that there are other body structures also struggling, or could suggest other medical conditions. Continue reading to discover how foot health affects your body. 

How Your Feet Affect Your Entire Body 

Circulation

It is common that the first thing to get checked during one’s appointment with the podiatrist is circulation. Symptoms such as hair loss, poor skin integrity and swollen feet may warn of high blood pressure, an indication that your blood flow does not reach your feet properly. Inadequate blood flow could be linked to underlying vascular diseases, diabetes or kidney issues that require further investigation(1).  

Foot Sensation

Another important aspect of foot-health that is closely related to a person’s overall health is their sensation. The feet are the body’s base of support, and it is important that we feel the ground underneath as well as any foreign entity that might cause pain or pose a risk. If you experience an altered sensation in your feet, you are at risk of a fall as your sense of balance is now compromised. The cause of altered sensation in one’s feet is linked to diabetes (1) or referred pain from the hips or lower back. 

Skin and Nails

Changes in the skin and nails can also be easily observed when you visit a podiatrist. In many cases, these changes may be caused by physical trauma to your toenails or by skin infections. However, they can also be caused by other systemic health problems. For example, Beau’s lines are horizontal grooves that run across your nails. These lines may be caused by injury to the nail matrix (where nails start to grow), but can also be caused by long-term health issues such as hypothyroidism or Raynaud’s disease (2). Rapid changes occurring to the nail and skin could be caused by sun damage, but could also be a consequence of cancer. Various skin conditions can also result from an athlete’s foot infection.

Joint Pain and Stiffness

Other common complaints from patients who visit a podiatrist are stiffness or discomfort in their feet or ankles. Most often, joint pain and stiffness fit under the umbrella term ‘arthritis’. However, severe joint pain could also be linked to gout or other autoimmune and inflammatory disease, which needs to be treated systemically with medication, and diet and lifestyle changes. Also, when one joint is in pain and does not function properly, chances are it will put pressure on other body parts. For example, stiffness in the ankles decreases the range of motion in the hips, forcing you to walk in smaller steps. There is a high chance that the patient will end up experiencing hip and lower back pain as well. 

Foot Posture

Foot posture is also one of the risk factors contributing to knees, ankles, hips, lower back, and leg pain. One’s foot posture affects the way he or she stands, walks, and performs tasks. Certain foot and ankle posture problems could be related to poor shock absorption ability in the feet and results in Achilles injuries (3) whereas another may appear to put a person at higher risk of shin splints (4). Conditions such as plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, bunions, or stress fractures can cause heel pain which can prompt you to modify your walking style to prevent foot pain, which can have an impact on your overall body posture and balance.

Flat Feet

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, are another condition that can cause discomfort and poor posture. It is a condition where the arches of the feet collapse and come into contact with the ground when standing. This can occur in one or both feet and can be present from birth or develop later in life. Flat feet can cause discomfort and pain in the feet, ankles, knees, hips, and lower back. Treatment for flat feet may include exercises to strengthen the feet and arches, supportive shoes or orthotics, and in some cases, surgery. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional if you suspect you have flat feet, as they can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Cold Feet

Sometimes you might simply have cold feet because it is cold. However, cold feet can also have other underlying causes, such as hypothyroidism or anaemia. Nerve damage from uncontrolled diabetes can also contribute to cold feet. If you are worried, speaking to your doctor will help identify the underlying cause, and you will be able to receive the appropriate treatment.

Experts believe that overall health begins with your feet for various reasons. If you are experiencing any of the aforementioned issues, it is recommended that you consult with your healthcare professional. Your podiatrist can identify and prevent serious problems caused by poor circulation and nerve damage, as well as observe changes in your nails and skin. 

They can evaluate your foot structure, analyse your walking or standing patterns, and provide advice on appropriate footwear or foot orthotics to enhance the strength and function of your feet, ensuring that your entire body stays healthy. Ensure to check your feet regularly, and to stay on top of any foot problems or foot conditions you may experience. Having healthy feet is vital for the overall health of your whole body.

Sources:

1. Khanolkar MP, Bain SC, Stephens JW. The diabetic foot. QJM: An International Journal of Medicine. 2008 Sep 1;101(9):685-95. 
2. Zaiac MN, Daniel III CR. Nails in systemic disease. Dermatologic therapy. 2002 Jun;15(2):99-106. 
3. Maynou C, Szymanski C, Thiounn A. The adult cavus foot. EFORT open reviews. 2017 May;2(5):221. 
4. Bates P. Shin splints–a literature review. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 1985 Sep 1;19(3):132-7.