From discoloured toenails to feeling constantly cold: What your feet are REALLY telling you about your health

Feet are often the most neglected part of the body but they can indicate health
Podiatrist Kate McArthur outlines some of the common foot-related concerns
She says people need to watch out for the colour of their toenails and swelling

By Emilia Mazza For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 02:20 BST, 27 June 2018 | Updated: 16:29 BST, 27 June 2018

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A quick check of your feet on a regular basis can reveal some very telling details about your overall health.

Sydney podiatrist Kate McArthur said while most foot-related concerns aren't that serious, small painful spots, a discoloured toenail or swelling of the feet could potentially signal something that needs attention.

From feet that are dry, cracked and sore to those that are constantly cold, here FEMAIL offers a guide to what your feet may be revealing about your wellbeing.

Sydney podiatrist Kate McArthur (pictured) said foot health was a simple as taking the time to check your feet on a regular basis

Toenail discolouration

It's important to pay attention to the colour of your toenails.

While yellow nails can be cosmetic (often the result of overusing nail polish) it's also possible this could signal something more serious.

'Yellow nails could be telling you that you may have a fungal infection of the nail,' Ms McArthur said.

Yellow toenails might be cosmetic (overuse of nail polish) or they may signal something more serious such as a fungal infection

Yellow nails can also occur as the result of psoriasis and eczema and in some very rare cases also be a sign of yellow nail syndrome - one that causes swelling and fluid in the lungs.

Toenails can also become discoloured if there's been some trauma to the foot. This can be a result of blood blisters that occur from wearing shoes that are too tight or if someone has stood on your foot.

The expert cautioned that a dark line under the toenail could also suggest a more serious health problem like a melanoma.

'If you have any concerns always get these checked out by your local podiatrist,' she said.

Constantly cold feet

If your feet always feel cold, even when rugged up, this may be something worth paying attention to.

'Diabetes can change your peripheral blood supply and also change nerve function in your feet, making your feet feel constantly cold and icy to the touch,' Ms McArthur said.

The expert also said if feet feel both cold and painful this could suggest chilblains - patches of red, swollen and itchy skin.

If your feet always feel cold, even when rugged up, this may be something worth paying attention to

'This is usually winter-related and the condition can affect young and old,' she said.

Symptoms of the condition may include an initial two-centimetre area of cold damage, one that's discoloured, painful and may itch.

The skin on feet is dry, flaky or cracked

If feet remain dry or cracked despite constant moisturising it may be worth giving this problem some attention.

One explanation may be hyperkeratosis (thick skin). This is when the skin becomes too thick and won't change with cream.

'The layers will not have enough elasticity and will continue to crack, flake and or thicken up more,' the expert said.

Other causes for feet that continue to be dry and cracked despite treatments may be Athlete's Foot, dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema or keratoderma - a marked thickening of the skin.

If feet remain dry or cracked despite constant moisturising this could signal a health condition that needs attention

Smelly feet

No matter what your level of hygiene, everyone can be susceptible to smelly feet.

'We have thousands and thousands of sweat glands on our feet,' Ms McArthur said.

'Footwear, socks or socking can trap fungus and bacteria which love to breed in moist, warm conditions.'

She said foot odour isn't something people need to be too concerned about but there are things that could be done to create an inhospitable environment for fungus and bacteria to grow.

What do your feet reveal about your personality?

Second toe larger than big toe: strong natural leadership qualities.
Very small little toe: a childlike sense of fun. If it wiggles independently of the others, you're adventurous and hate routine.
Long feet: you want recognition for your good points. If they're extra long, you love the limelight.
Flat feet: very sociable, you feel re-energised when you're around other people. You'd like more support.
Thick nails: someone is trying to interfere or tell you what to do, so you're trying to protect your ideas from them.
Square toes: you speak bluntly. If you have more than one, you're strong-minded (ie: stubborn). Rounder toes are a sign of diplomacy.
Hairy toes: you're sensitive, but you hide this fact with deflection.
Cracked heels: there are obstacles you feel you have to overcome before you can move forward.
Athletes foot: you're irritated at someone nagging and hindering your progress.
Bunion: you bend over backwards doing far too much for others and not enough for yourself.

The expert recommended to wash your socks in detergent, or simply add Canestan laundry to your load.

Let your shoes dry out if sweaty, apply tea tree oil or tinea powder to footwear.

Cramps in your feet

If you suffer cramps in your feet, poor blood flow could be the cause.

'Typically, cramping in your feet shows you are not getting enough oxygen to your feet,' she said.

'You may also be low on magnesium.

'A simple way to increase this is to take magnesium supplements or apply a magnesium spray to the affected area.'

Oedema (swelling) can be associated with other conditions including heart problems, renal and lymphatic disease

Swollen or sore feet

Feet that are swollen or sore may be caused by a number of problems.

'Swollen feet, especially if they have become painful, could signal an injury (acute or chronic) or be a result of poorly fitting shoes,' Ms McArthur said.

She added surgery can also cause the feet to swell, often for as long as six months after an operation.

'Oedema (swelling) can be associated with other conditions including heart problems, renal and lymphatic disease.'

Sores that won't heal

If you have sores that don't heal over time there may be a few issues to consider.

'You may have something as simple as a plantar wart. These are painful, bleed and don't heal,' the expert said.

'Other sores people may notice on their feet include palmoplantar pustular psoriasis - small yellow pustules that are more commonly linked to smokers.'

Some genetic disorders like anaemia can cause foot sores that won't heal.

Ms McArthur added hard-to-heal sores may also be a sign of diabetes, something that should be checked by a GP.

And lastly, her advice to those who may have any concerns about their feet was to always get these checked out by a local podiatrist.

'It's always better to be proactive with these issues than let them grow into further problems down the road.'