Your feet do more than get you from A to B—they can actually give you important clues about your overall health.

At Peak Podiatry, we often say, “Your feet are like a mirror to your body.” Why? Because many health issues show up in your feet before anywhere else. Swelling, tingling, colour changes, or even how your toenails grow can point to things going on deeper inside the body.

So let’s break it down. If you’ve noticed anything unusual about your feet lately, it might be worth paying attention—and it might be time to get them checked.

1. Tingling or Numbness? Could Be a Nerve Issue or Diabetes

If your feet feel tingly, numb, or like they’re “asleep” all the time, it could be more than just poor circulation from crossing your legs.

It might be:

• Peripheral neuropathy – common in people with diabetes or prediabetes

• A pinched nerve in the back or ankle

• Tarsal tunnel syndrome (like carpal tunnel, but in the foot)

👉 What to do: Don’t ignore it. Nerve issues can get worse if untreated. We can help pinpoint the cause and suggest a plan.

2. Cold Feet That Never Warm Up? It Could Be Circulation

Cold feet might sound like nothing serious, but if they’re always icy—even in warm weather—it might be a sign of poor blood flow.

Possibilities include:

• Poor circulation (Peripheral Artery Disease)

• Raynaud’s phenomenon – where blood vessels overreact to cold

• Low thyroid function

👉 What to do: A podiatry check and circulation test can rule out bigger problems.

3. Swollen Feet or Ankles? Time to Check Your Heart or Kidneys

If your shoes suddenly feel too tight, or your ankles look puffier than usual, your feet might be retaining fluid (called oedema). This can happen after standing all day—but it can also be a sign of something more serious.

It could point to:

• Heart issues

• Kidney or liver concerns

• Problems with lymph drainage

👉 What to do: If swelling doesn’t go down overnight or is painful, book a podiatry or GP appointment.

4. Toenail Changes? Could Be a Fungal Infection… or Something Else

Your toenails can tell you a lot. Thick, yellow, crumbly nails are often a sign of a fungal infection. But if your nails are also:

• Spoon-shaped

• Ridged

• Blue or purple-toned

… it could point to low iron, circulation issues, or even psoriasis.

👉 What to do: We offer nail assessments and treatments, including gentle, effective options for fungal nails and nail reconstruction if needed.

5. Foot Cramps and Pain? Check Your Hydration and Nutrition

Foot cramps or a sudden aching arch after activity might not always be a muscle issue. It can be linked to:

• Low magnesium or potassium

• Dehydration

• Poor arch support or footwear

• Nerve tension or tightness in the calves

👉 What to do: Stretching helps, but we can also check for biomechanical issues, like tight calves or flat feet that may be stressing your muscles.

6. Wounds That Don’t Heal? Especially Important for Diabetics

A small blister or cut on your foot that doesn’t heal can be a big deal—especially for people with diabetes. It can be a sign that your nerves aren’t working properly (so you don’t feel the injury), or that blood flow is reduced.

👉 What to do: If a cut isn’t healing, get it looked at straight away. We treat foot wounds and offer ongoing diabetic foot care to avoid bigger issues down the road.

7. Foot Pain That Won’t Go Away? Your Gait Might Be Off

If your feet always hurt at the end of the day, or you feel pain in the same spot over and over, your walking pattern (gait) might be the problem.

Uneven gait can be caused by:

• Flat feet or high arches

• Old injuries that healed “wrong”

• Weak ankle or leg muscles

• Poor footwear

👉 What to do: At Peak Podiatry, we do gait analysis and biomechanical assessments to see how you move—and fix what’s off, often with custom insoles or rehab exercises.

Final Thoughts

Your feet are more than just body parts—they’re full of clues about your health. The key is to pay attention when something doesn’t feel right.

At Peak Podiatry, we don’t just treat symptoms—we look at the whole picture. From early warning signs of diabetes or circulation issues to stubborn heel pain, we help you figure out what your feet are trying to tell you.

👣 Worried about a change in your feet? Book an appointment today and let’s get to the root of it—together.