What Do the Symptoms in Your Feet Say About Your Health?

Certain changes you notice in your feet can be early warning signs of developing illnesses or deficiencies in vitamins and minerals. By identifying these symptoms and addressing their root causes, you may feel much more energetic, refreshed, and healthy.
In this article, I am sharing some common foot-related issues and their potential underlying causes:

1. Cold Feet and Chills
   ■ Iron Deficiency Anemia
   • Iron is a component of hemoglobin, the main protein that carries oxygen.
   • Without enough iron, muscles and nerve tissues cannot receive sufficient oxygen.
   • The body struggles to regulate temperature, leading to a feeling of coldness—especially in extremities like hands and feet.
   ■ Iodine Deficiency
   • Leads to reduced production of thyroid hormones.
   • Slows down metabolism, reducing heat production in the body.
   • This can also result in cold sensations in hands and feet.

1. Ankle Pain and Swelling
   ■ Vitamin D Deficiency
   • Causes softening of the bones (osteomalacia) and muscle weakness.
   • Mechanical pressure may lead to pain and swelling around the ankle area.
   • It may also increase inflammation and vascular permeability → resulting in mild edema.

■ High Uric Acid (Gout Disease)
• Uric acid accumulates as crystals in the joints.
• Can cause sudden, intense pain and swelling, especially near the big toe.
• Gout attacks due to hyperuricemia may also affect the ankle joint.

3. Cracked Heels
   ■ Omega-3 Fatty Acid Deficiency
   • Weakens the skin barrier and reduces moisture retention → skin becomes dry and cracks.
   • Cracks may deepen in pressure-bearing areas like the soles.
   ■ Iron Deficiency
   • Slows cell regeneration and collagen production.
   • Skin loses elasticity → becomes thin and difficult to repair.
   ■ Vitamin B3 (Niacin) and B7 (Biotin) Deficiency
   • B3: Essential for skin renewal and barrier protection.
   • B7: Plays a role in keratin production → vital for healthy, elastic skin.
   • A deficiency can lead to dry, irritated, and crack-prone skin.
4. Leg Cramps
   ■ Magnesium Deficiency
   • Regulates muscle contractions and plays a role in nerve transmission.
   • Deficiency may cause sudden, painful nighttime cramps.
   ■ Vitamin B12 Deficiency
   • Disrupts nervous system function → weakens muscle-nerve coordination.
   • Frequent cramps in the calf muscles are common.
   ■ Sodium/Potassium Imbalance
   • Disrupts the electrical balance essential for muscle function.
   • Muscles cannot relax properly → sudden cramps and twitching occur.
5. Athlete’s Foot and Toenail Fungus
   ■ Dysbiosis (Imbalance in Gut Microbiome)
   • Reduced good bacteria weakens the immune system.
   • Lowers resistance to skin and nail fungal infections.
   ■ Blood Sugar Imbalance / Diabetes
   • High blood sugar suppresses the immune system.
   • Increases the risk of fungal nail infections (onychomycosis), which become more persistent.
   • If untreated, the infection can spread to surrounding tissues.
   Tip: Foot Soak with Epsom Salt
   You can try an Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) foot soak 2–3 times a week to:
   • Soothe tired feet
   • Reduce swelling
   • Ease muscle spasms
   • Soften and nourish the skin
   How to apply: Add ½ cup of Epsom salt to 5–6 liters of warm water and soak your feet for 15–20 minutes.
   For additional antifungal and aromatherapeutic benefits, you can add lavender or tea tree oil.
   Even small signs in your feet can be early warning signals from your body. Paying attention to these symptoms and getting the necessary tests and treatments can help you feel healthier and more energetic in the long term.
   Remember: Solving the root cause is the key to lasting health.

Esra Toktay
Email: dytesratoktay@gmail.com
Instagram: @uzmandiyetisyenesratoktay