The condition of your feet can provide important clues about your overall health. Cold feet may indicate poor circulation, which can be a sign of conditions like peripheral artery disease or diabetes. Persistent foot pain that does not improve with rest may suggest arthritis, nerve damage, or an underlying structural issue. Changes in the nails, including discoloration, thickening, or brittleness, can be linked to fungal infections, nutritional deficiencies, or even thyroid disorders. Additionally, burning foot pain may be a symptom of nerve damage, often associated with diabetes or vitamin B deficiency. Paying attention to these signs and seeking medical advice when necessary can help detect health issues early. If you have any type of foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions, and determine if it is an indicator of additional health issues.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Joseph D. Ruffo, DPM, PC from New York. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Sea Cliff and Babylon, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.