10 Things Your Toes Could Reveal About Your Health

 

You might not think much about your toes unless something goes wrong, but they can actually provide significant insights into your overall health. Your toes and toenails can show signs of infections, medication side effects, trauma, autoimmune disorders, chemical exposure, diabetes, kidney or liver disease, and even skin cancer, says Ashley Dikis, an assistant professor at Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery.

Stephanie Wu, dean of the Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago, Illinois, notes that since our feet and toes are far from the brain and heart, underlying health issues often manifest there first. Wu compares this to a tree where the trunk represents the brain and heart, and the outer branches and leaves symbolize the small nerves and blood vessels in the feet and toes. Changes in the leaves can indicate tree disease, just as changes in your toes can signal health problems.

Despite this, many doctors overlook the importance of examining feet and toes during checkups. “I’ve had patients go for a skin check, and they’re not even told to take off their socks and shoes,” says Bryan C. Markinson, chief of podiatric medicine and surgery in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York.

If you've noticed any changes in your toes or toenails, keep an eye out for these 10 signs that could indicate underlying health conditions:

1. Concave Toenails
   Possible Condition: Anemia
   While some people naturally have concave or “spoon” nails, new occurrences could be a sign of anemia, says Markinson. This condition could also point to autoimmune disorders or hypothyroidism.

2. Tingling, Burning, or Numbness in Toes
   Possible Condition: Diabetes
   Tingling, numbness, or burning can be symptoms of peripheral neuropathy caused by diabetes, says Markinson. This can also result from chemotherapy, chemical exposure, alcohol abuse, vitamin deficiencies, hypothyroidism, end-stage renal disease, certain viral infections like HIV, or nerve issues in the lower back, according to Dikis.

3. Dark Vertical Bands on the Toenail or Dark Spots Under the Nail
   Possible Condition: Melanoma
   Melanoma on the foot often develops on the big toe but can appear on other toes or between them, says Markinson. Although only 1 to 3 percent of these pigmented bands are malignant, it’s crucial to get them checked.

4. “Half-and-Half” or Washed-Out Nails
   Possible Conditions: Kidney Disease, Liver Disease, Diabetes, or Congestive Heart Failure
   Nail beds that are partly white and partly colored can indicate chronic kidney disease or liver issues like hepatitis and cirrhosis, says Vlahovic.

5. Painful, Inflamed Toe Joints
   Possible Condition: Arthritis
   Painful toe joints could suggest rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or gout, says Kaplan.

6. Clubbed Toes
   Possible Condition: Lung Disease
   Enlarged tips of toes and curved toenails can be due to low blood-oxygen levels caused by lung or heart issues, says Vlahovic. This condition can also be inherited or acquired.

7. Cold or Blue Toes
   Possible Condition: Heart Disease
   Poor circulation from conditions like atherosclerosis or Raynaud’s syndrome can cause cold or blue toes, says Markinson.

8. Discolored Toenails
   Possible Condition: Diabetes, Fungal Infection, Skin Cancer, Trauma
   Yellowing or other discolorations of the nail can indicate various issues such as diabetes, fungal infections, underlying skin cancer, or trauma, says Dikis.

9. Thick Toenails
   Possible Conditions: Previous Trauma, Fungal Infection
   Thick toenails can result from trauma or fungal infections and may require a podiatrist’s care, says Dikis.

10. Fungus on Toes
    Possible Conditions: Fungal Infection, Athlete’s Foot
    Fungal infections like onychomycosis or athlete’s foot are common and can cause various symptoms, including discoloration, thickening, and peeling of nails, says Wu.

OTC Treatments and When to See a Doctor

Over-the-counter antifungal treatments can help with mild infections, but persistent or severe symptoms warrant a visit to a healthcare provider. Disinfecting your shoes and bathroom surfaces can prevent reinfection. If you notice pain, discoloration, or other severe symptoms, seek medical attention promptly to rule out serious conditions like subungual cancer or bacterial infections.

People with diabetes or weakened immune systems should be especially vigilant about changes in their toes and nails. Immediate medical attention is necessary if an infection is suspected, as it can spread to the bone and lead to severe complications, including amputation, warns Wu.

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