Do You Have a Serious Foot Problem?

It’s always tough here at Maple Springs Foot Center when we have to give a patient a surprise diagnosis. They came in because of pain, discomfort, or some change in their feet or ankles, but instead of diagnosing them with a podiatric issue, sometimes, Dr. Stuart Snyder finds issues that point to a larger disease. Below are some common symptoms we see that can be signs of systemic diseases:

• Swelling – A good majority of the time, swelling in your feet or ankles is indicative of acute issues such as fractures, sprains, or neuromas. It can also point to a larger disease affecting circulatory dysfunction. Such diseases include hypertension or a renal (kidney) problem.
• Stiffness – A stiff joint could be the result of a trauma or injury, but it could also be the onset stages of rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.
• Tingling or numbness – If you experience tingling or numbness in your feet, it can often be a nerve problem or neuropathy. Neuropathy is nerve damage that causes burning, tingling, or numbness and often follows diabetes. Nutritional deficiencies such as vitamin B12 can also cause tingling and numbness in your extremities.
• Stress fractures – Overuse injuries are the typical culprit for these fractures, but if there are multiple fractures in one patient, it can often be indicative of a calcium deficiency or osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to be brittle and weak.
• Skin and toenail changes – Skin and nails that change color or are constantly dry, cracked, and flakey can be caused by a thyroid issue, kidney damage, cancer, or diabetes.

As you can tell, most foot symptoms do typically point to a treatable podiatric problem. It’s important to pay attention to your feet, and include daily checks of them in your routine. If you notice any changes or anything else that needs attention, you can get a prompt diagnosis and either rule out any of the above diseases or set out on a path to treatment.

Here at Maple Springs Foot Center, our knowledgeable podiatrist, Dr. Stuart Snyder, is here to help assess and treat any foot or ankle issues you may be dealing with. To make an appointment, head to our website or call our conveniently located office in Gaithersburg, MD at 301-762-3338.