5 health signs to look for now after Dr Amir Khan issues warning over cold feet
Dr Amir Khan has shared five warning signs to look out for when it comes to your feet as the temperatures drop across the UK.
As temperatures plunge across Britain, many are reaching for cosy socks and indulging in warming baths. And with the weather turning decidedly chilly, experiencing cold feet has become rather commonplace.
However, experts warn this seemingly innocent symptom could signal something far more sinister.
Medical professionals have previously cautioned that persistently cold hands and feet might indicate the presence of a silent killer.
Now NHS doctor Amir Khan has emphasised the crucial importance of monitoring this condition for health reasons.
Speaking to his 785,000 Instagram followers, the ITV regular explained: "I know the thought of feet turns a lot of people off but your feet can give you clues to your health from pain, swelling to numbness."
Here are 5 signs to look out for...
Cold feet or toes
"This could be a problem with the very small blood vessels in your feet and it's restricting the blood flow to your feet. It can be a sign of poorly controlled diabetes, high cholesterol and is more common if you smoke."
Burning or tingling pain
Dr Khan also warned a burning or tingling sensation in the feet might indicate peripheral neuropathy, a condition characterised by nerve damage.
He continued: "It's more common if you have poorly controlled diabetes but also you can get it if you have low B12 or folic acid level, if you have thyroid disease, if you drink a lot of alcohol and certain medication can it as well."
Pain in bottom of your foot
He also revealed that discomfort in the bottom of your foot during walking could suggest plantar fasciitis - an inflammatory ailment.
"That's inflammation of the tissue underneath your foot and it normally gives you a sharp stabbing pain in your heel," he said.
The medic highlighted the ache can feel as though there's a stone in your shoe, and you may have a stress fracture - when you've damaged one of the bones in your foot but it isn't immediately obvious.
Sore or ulcer on your foot
Dr Khan stressed a fourth warning indicator as "really important".
He declared if you develop an ulcer or wound on your foot that won't heal, ensure you get it checked.
Particular skin cancers can appear as a stubborn sore.
He added: "But remember wounds need good food and oxygen and good blood flow to heal well."
Swollen feet
Finally, a common problem people notice with their feet is puffiness.
Dr Khan remarked: "This can happen if you spend lots of time on your feet through the day and it's much more common in the summer months. Usually it's nothing to worry about and all you have to do is elevate your feet when you get home."
He also noted you might experience puffy feet if you've got problems with your liver, your kidneys or even your heart.
You can also develop swollen feet if you're overweight or pregnant or taking certain medicines.
"I would always get unexplained swelling checked," Dr Khan concluded.
