Relationship Between Your Feet and Heart Health
Heart disease and diabetes are conditions impacting the feet. Dr. Rostislav Denenburg, a Podiatrist at SIMEDHealth, explains how feet and heart health are related, and how to prevent foot problems.
To learn more about Rostislav Denenburg, D.P.M, click here.
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1. How are foot health and heart health related?
The feet tell us a lot about ones health.The feet like all other parts of the body depend on an adequate blood supply of oxygenated blood through the arteries, and a return of deoxygenated blood via the venous system.Deficiencies of the circulatory system, nervous system, and musculoskeletal structures all can give us hints about things occurring in other parts of the body.
2. What issues with our feet can tell us signs about our heart health?
An evaluation of the foot includes inspect of the skin, including the nails and hair of the legs, feet and toes.We look for swelling which could indicate problems with the venous and lymphatic return of fluids from the feet and legs into the core circulation.Increased swelling can be seen in heart failure and certain heart valve conditions.Blood reaches the foot through two main arteries, and our exam will attempt to palpate these pulses, and determine the integrity of the pulse. This gives us an indication if there can be decreased arterial circulation which can effect skin integrity and wound healing.
3. How is foot pain related to poor circulation different from other causes of pain?
There are many reasons why one can have pain in their feet, which is why an evaluation by a foot specialist, a podiatrist can be important.Pain due to poor circulation usually initially presents during periods of activity, and then calms and resolves during periods of rest.The time to pain onset, and the intensity of the activity required to produce this type of pain tends to decrease as the circulation condition gets worse. When circulation is very poor, people can have this type of pain with minimal, or even no activity.
4. How can one prevent foot problems related to heart disease?
The best thing to do is keep moving.Regular walking helps to keep the arteries open.Don’t start smoking, and for those who are already smoking, stopping is key to preserve your circulation, and prevent potential long-term complications leading to amputations.Also working with your medical team to keep other conditions under control, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and kidney disease, is important for your heart, and therefore your feet.
5. Are there lifestyle changes to help improve foot health?
Regular aerobic activity using your lower extremities – walking, running, bicycling, swimming for example. Wearing properly fitting shoes is important – be sure there’s enough room for your toes, and appropriate support for your arch and mid-foot. Look at your feet regularly – check the soles for sores, and check between the toes. Keep nails trim, but don’t cut too close to the skin in order to prevent nail clipper cuts, or development of ingrown toe nails.
Properly trimmed toe nails are straight across the top, just beyond the tip of the toe; and not cut in an arch.
If your foot is experiencing something unusual, contact your primary care provider or podiatrist to evaluate.