Happy 2023, everyone! This January, we are celebrating Thyroid Awareness Month. Our thyroid has a hold over our hormones, so it’s no wonder it plays a large part in our overall health. But did you know our thyroid can also affect the health of our feet? If you’re suffering from thyroid disease, your feet might be sending you signs. Let’s take a closer look!

One: Swollen Feet

As we move through our day, our feet naturally swell. Diabetes can also cause our feet to expand. But so does hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid! Having swollen feet almost all the time can point to thyroid disease.

Two: Dry, Cracked Feet

Those with hypothyroidism commonly suffer from dry, cracked, sometimes leathery skin. If you find the soles of your feet are significantly dry and tough, even outside of January’s cold weather, it could be your thyroid.

Three: Foot Pain

Although foot pain isn’t the main symptom of thyroid disease, it’s still an important one to note. Muscle, nerve, and joint pain isn’t out of the question. Have your feet been extra achy and painful lately? Check your thyroid!

Four: Smelly Feet

With hyperthyroidism, you’re more likely to sweat – especially on your feet! Smelly feet, socks, and shoes could point to a thyroid disorder.

Five: Itchy Feet

Since hypothyroidism can make your skin extra dry, it’s no wonder itchiness is also on the list of symptoms. Your feet, legs, and scalp are more likely to tingle and itch.

Six: Fungal Infections

Are you having Athlete’s foot, fungal infections, or toenail fungus more often these days? Catching infections are common with thyroid disease. Ask your doctor if there’s a connection!

Seven: Cold Feet

Our thyroid controls our metabolism. When you have an underactive thyroid, your metabolism can slow, making your body temperature drop.

You can count on the Foot & Ankle Specialists, PC foot doctors, to care for your feet using a full range of conservative and surgical therapies. Our expert team, including board-certified podiatrists Dr. Scott E. Hughes, Dr. Greg P. Vogt, and Dr. Christine I. Tumele, serves patients of all ages with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment technologies, including on-site digital x-ray, and ultrasound, diabetic shoes, and digital scanning for custom orthotics. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation. We offer house calls Monday through Thursday.