Foot conditions can lead to a wide variety of symptoms, and sometimes it’s helpful to take a closer look at the obvious symptoms when working towards a diagnosis. Foot issues can lead to feet that are cold, hot, itchy, dry, red, sore and painful, but what are some of the likely problems that present with these symptoms? We explore what might be causing your feet to feel this way in today’s blog.
Why Are My Feet…
As we have said on the blog countless times in the past, if you are dealing with painful or concerning symptoms, it’s best to undergo an evaluation by a specialist who can see you in person. The following is just general advice, and should not be used to make a definitive diagnosis on your own. With that said, here are some foot conditions that can present with different symptoms:
Why Are My Feet Red? – Redness in your ankles and feet can be caused by a number of different issues, and we actually looked at five of them on this blog about red feet. Skin irritants, infections and vascular issues could be causing the redness in your feet.
Why Are My Feet Cold? – Your feet may be cold because it’s your wedding day and you’re second guessing walking down the aisle. Just kidding. Your feet could be cold simply because of how your body works to keep other body parts warm when you’re cold by restricting blood vessel size, or it could be the result or inactivity or nerve damage. Movement can oftentimes help treat cold feet, but if the problem lingers, reach out to a foot specialist.
Why Are My Feet Swollen – Swollen feet could be the result of bodily changes experienced during pregnancy, but oftentimes it’s also caused by diabetes. If your kidneys cannot expel salt and waste products as needed, it can lead to fluid retention in your extremities, most notably your feet. Issues with your lymph nodes and blood vessels can also contribute to swollen feet.
Why Are My Feet Itchy? – Dermatitis and skin infections are common causes of itchy feet, and oftentimes this sensation will present with other symptoms like redness or dry skin. Topical creams and lotions can help to quell itchy feet in many instances.
Why Are My Feet Hot? – If your feet are hot and you didn’t just finish a workout or other physical activity, this warm sensation could be the result of nerve damage in your feet or legs. This is somewhat common among diabetics and heavy alcohol drinkers, and it can also be the result of hormonal changes during menopause.
Why Are My Feet Blue? – Feet that are white, blue or gray may be an indication that your feet are not getting an adequate amount of blood to the area. Sometimes this happens if they are exposed to extreme cold for an extended period or there are vascular issues that prevent ideal circulation. Black and blue discoloration can also be the result of pooling blood after a severe ankle sprain or fracture.
