Your feet are more than just the foundation for your movement. They also act as silent messengers, providing valuable clues about our overall health. And that’s especially true regarding the health of your circulatory system and heart.

At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we want you to know how to prevent podiatric problems further down the road. It’s also American Heart Month, so we’re writing up this blog post on five different reasons you should pay attention to your heart-foot connection. Consult the info below for a healthier heart and fitter feet!

1. A Window to Circulation

• Pale or blueish skin typically indicates reduced blood flow, potentially due to heart problems or peripheral artery disease (PAD).
• Dry, cracked skin can reveal poor circulation and nerve damage, often associated with diabetes and impacting blood flow to the feet.
• Slow-healing wounds merit serious concern. If minor cuts or scrapes take an unusually long time to heal, that could signal impaired circulation, a risk factor for heart disease.

2. Feeling Cold or Numb?

• Cold feet could signal reduced blood flow caused by conditions such as Raynaud’s disease.
• Numbness or tingling sensations might indicate nerve damage, often related to diabetes or circulation issues.

3. More Than Just Aches and Soreness

• Burning pain, especially at night, might be a symptom of neuropathy, a form of nerve damage often associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
• Aching or cramping, particularly in the calves, is usually linked to PAD and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

4. Changes in Gait

• Limping or difficulty walking could be linked to venous insufficiency or other lower extremity problems impacting mobility and limiting physical activity.
• Weakness or instability issues can be related to muscle weakness that’s associated with heart health complications.

5. Beyond the Feet 

• Swelling in your legs and ankles could be a sign of heart failure, which means the heart is struggling to pump blood effectively. This could lead to a fluid buildup in the lower extremities.

Dr. Adam Mucinskas and the team at Feet First Foot Care Specialists are here to help your heart! Call our office at 860-632-5499 or click here to schedule your appointment. You can also contact us online.