February is American Heart Month, a time when all people can focus on their cardiovascular health. Heart disease is one of the most widespread health challenges in the United States. Cardiovascular disease accounts for about one in three deaths in the United States according to the American Heart Association making it the number one killer of Americans. Did you know your feet can reveal valuable information about the state of the health of your heart? It’s true. Here we will look at the most common foot symptoms caused by poor heart health.

Pain and Numbness

If you are experiencing pain or numbness in your feet this may be a sign of peripheral artery disease or PAD. With this disease, plaque accumulates in the arteries and restricts the blood flow, particularly to the extremities such as your hands and feet.

Poor Circulation

Vascular disease can also cause poor blood circulation. This can happen when the heart can’t pump enough blood to its extremities. Symptoms of poor circulation may include an inability to feel the pulse in your feet, shiny skin on your legs and feet, and even hair loss on the toes.

Swelling

One consequence of heart failure is when fluid begins to build up in the body. The feet and ankles are especially prone to swelling. Sudden weight gain might also occur.

If you notice any of these symptoms it’s vital not to delay but contact an experienced podiatrist right away.

You can count on the Foot & Ankle Specialists, PC foot doctors to provide care for your feet using a full range of both conservative and surgical therapies. Our expert team, including board-certified podiatrists Dr. Scott E. Hughes, Dr. Greg P. Vogt, and Dr. Christine I. Tumele, serve patients of all ages with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment technologies including onsite digital x-ray, ultrasound, diabetic shoes, and digital scanning for custom orthotics.

For any questions or to make an appointment, please contact us at one of our Southeast Michigan facilities in Monroe 734-241-0200, and Lambertville 734-856-8900, in Bedford and Monroe counties. Don’t forget we make house calls.