Changes in the feet, such as swelling, pain and redness, are not just caused by too much walking or standing. These can be caused by a variety of health conditions, including a variety of medical conditions. Sometimes swelling and pain in the feet are not a cause for concern, but if they persist, they can be caused by a variety of health conditions, including heart and blood vessel problems, diabetes, clotting, kidney and liver disease, or iron or nutritional deficiencies. Lack of essential nutrients weakens the nerves and can cause fatigue, cramps or numbness in the feet.
But if you often experience foot problems, it could be a clear sign that your heart is at risk. Changes in the muscles of the feet and legs can indicate heart health. Our feet and lower limbs often send subtle signals about our heart and circulatory system, but most people ignore these signals until serious symptoms appear. Problems such as swelling, persistent cold, or sores in the feet or ankles may be signs of heart, blood vessel, or other systemic problems and require attention.
In an Instagram video, Dr. Kunal Sood, anesthesiologist and pain medicine physician, explains some of the symptoms seen in the feet that may indicate heart disease. Changes in your lower limbs often indicate what’s going on in your heart, blood vessels, or circulatory system, he said. Cold feet or changes in their color may seem minor, but they can be serious signs, experts said. Let’s find out what experts have revealed about the symptoms of heart disease in the feet.
Varicose Veins: A sign of heart disease
Varicose veins are dilated and thin superficial veins caused by weak valves and poor blood flow. This condition causes blue or swollen veins in the legs or feet. These veins can indicate the health of the heart.
Bilateral Ankle Swelling
Swelling can occur when blood circulation slows down or pressure in the veins increases. Chronic vein disease causes heaviness, pain, and swelling in the legs, which worsens with prolonged standing.
Cold, pale, or painful feet
This can be due to Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). In this condition, narrowing of the arteries restricts blood flow, causing leg cramps and pain when walking, known as intermittent claudication.
A red, hot, or swollen calf muscle on one side
Symptoms include warmth, redness, pain and swelling on one side. Risk factors include inactivity, injury, cancer, pregnancy and certain genetic clotting disorders.
Persistent sores on paws or ankles
Poor blood circulation prevents oxygen from reaching tissues and prevents wounds from healing. Non-healing sores on the ankles, feet or toes can be a serious sign of PAD and can increase the risk of gangrene if left untreated.
(Disclaimer: The above facts are based on general information. News18 does not endorse them. Consult relevant experts before trying them.)