The external appearance of the body, especially the feet, can provide clues about the state of general health, including infections and internal diseases, so experts advise not to ignore this and seek medical advice.
A report from CNN states that the foot is connected to a network of nerve fibers from the brain, which allows standing and balance. It is also connected to blood vessels and any internal changes that may appear on the foot.
The appearance of our feet can indicate viral infections, diseases of the cardiovascular system and even neurological disorders.
Measles usually begins on the face, but it may begin in the feet, where prominent pink-red spots appear.
The circulatory system supplies blood to every part of the body from the front of the head to the tips of the toes. When the blood vessels reach these ends, they have branched out and become smaller.
It is normal for the feet to feel cold when touched, but their color should not change from their usual skin color to blue, nor should they be painfully cold.
Severe symptoms of discoloration and pain can indicate a phenomenon called blue toe syndrome. It can be caused by very small clumps called microemboli, made up of dots of cholesterol.
These masses easily pass through large vessels and become smaller when they reach the smaller vessels in the feet, and when they become stuck there, they cut off the blood supply. The tissues become without oxygen, causing the feet to change color and become painful.
In serious cases, blue toe syndrome can lead to tissue death and gangrene formation, which may require amputation of the toes or even the entire foot, according to the report.
There are other signs in the feet that can indicate cardiovascular disease. Red swellings that appear on the feet (as well as the hands) can indicate the presence of a heart infection called bacterial endocarditis.
Toes can also indicate problems with the nervous system by testing the plantar reflex, which may reveal the Babinski sign (named after neurologist Joseph Babinski).
When the sole of the foot is struck, the natural reaction in adults is to bend the big toe downward, and if the toe extends upward, this indicates Babinski’s sign and may indicate that the stroke disrupts the normal brain circuits that control the feet.
The report concludes that diabetes, kidney failure and even thyroid disorders can show signs on the feet. Therefore, if you notice any change, you should consult a doctor.
