Looking for early signs of problems like diabetes or heart disease? Check your feet

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SWOLLEN FEET

Potential diagnosis: Blood clots, diabetes, heart, liver or lung disease

Your feet may swell in hotter weather or if you have been standing or sitting for long periods. But in rare cases it could be a sign of something more serious going on.

What next? There are exercises you can do to reduce swelling and boost the blood flow to the feet.

Try pointing your foot out in front of you and using your big toe to draw a circle. Do this ten times clockwise and ten times anti-clockwise.

But if you notice any unusual swelling it is vital to get it checked out fast, especially if you have any underlying health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes or heart disease. And get immediate advice if it only affects one leg, is severe or feels hot to touch – it could be a sign of a blood clot.

CORNS & CALLUSES

Potential diagnosis: Ill-fitting shoes, diabetes, obesity

A callus is a thick, yellowish lump of dead skin which develops when the skin is exposed to excessive pressure or friction.

Corns are small lumps of hard skin. They usually occur as a safety precaution to protect your skin.

Most podiatrists have seen fewer during lockdown as fewer people are squeezing their feet into ill-fitting dress shoes, which is often the cause.

Sometimes they may be caused by obesity or Type 2 diabetes.

What next? To help prevent them, make sure your shoes fit well. Using a pumice or foot file over hardened areas can also keep them down.

CRACKED SCALY SKIN

Potential diagnosis: Fungal infections, diabetes

It’s quite common to pick up fungal infections at swimming pools, gyms or leisure centre changing rooms, so we have seen fewer cases in lockdown.

But lots of people have used the time to treat long-standing infections.

It might be that you had athlete’s foot before lockdown and walking around in warm slippers has made it worse. It may also have spread to a nail.

What next? Recurrent infections can be a sign of diabetes.

But skin infections are easily treated with over-the-counter antifungal treatments.

Nail infections can be trickier, so it is worth consulting a podiatrist to see which is the best option.

RASHES

Potential diagnosis: Covid-19

Medics are now reporting a condition called “Covid toe” among people who have been affected with coronavirus.

It looks a little like chilblains and is a red, purplish rash that can occur on the toes and/or fingers.

It is often seen after the initial infection – so a few days after more typical symptoms such as a cough or high temperature.

It happens because the virus attacks our vascular system and damages the skin.

What next? If you notice this on your feet it is advisable to get it checked out – and take a Covid test.

Many podiatrists currently offer virtual consultations or allow you to send in photos if you are having to self-isolate. 

COLD FEET

Potential diagnosis: Raynaud’s syndrome, poor circulation, anxiety

If you have cold feet regularly, it could be a sign of poor circulation.

Lots of us are at home more, and if you are often barefoot it’s possible your feet are just too cold.

But some people have a condition called Reynaud’s syndrome, a disorder that affects your blood circulation.

For some people it can make their toes turn blue or purple.

It’s worse in winter and in people who are not as active. If you are worried, speak to your doctor or a podiatrist.

Stars' tootsie troubles

From Kim Kardashian and Sandra Bullock to J-Lo and Britney, these superstars are proof no woman is immune from shoe dramas.

Their ill-fitting footwear and crushed toes not only look painful but could go on to cause bunions, corns and calluses. It really does pay to get a good fit, when it comes to your feet.

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