Your feet do more than carry you from place to place. Their role in overall health extends far beyond simply supporting your weight and providing mobility; in fact, their condition can offer surprising insights into your cardiovascular system and heart health.

Podiatry Center of New Jersey wants you to know all the warnings, signals, and signs your feet can send beforehand, so you’ll be better equipped to act on any info if a problem does present. And since it’s February and thus American Heart Month, there’s no better time than now to learn more about the heart-foot connection.

Head to Toe

  • Our circulatory system acts like a complex highway, with your heart pumping hard to deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.
  • Your feet are located furthest from the heart, requiring blood to travel a significant distance against gravity in order to reach them and return.
  • This distance makes your feet particularly sensitive to any disruptions in circulation.

Signs and Symptoms

Here are some red flags regarding circulation that you should watch for:

  • Coldness, numbness, or tingling in your feet can indicate reduced blood flow.
  • Pale or blueish skin suggests blood flow is struggling to reach your feet.
  • Dry, cracked skin or slow-healing wounds can be signs of poor circulation and nerve damage.
  • Burning, aching, or cramping in your feet, especially at night, can be related to circulation issues.

Early Detection, Early Intervention

Podiatrists are trained to detect these early indicators and intervene before problems escalate.

 They can offer help with:

  • Comprehensive assessments examining your feet, toes, and nails and checking circulation, sensation, and abnormalities.
  • Tailored treatment plans based on your specific needs, including recommended lifestyle changes involving exercise, healthy diet, and smoking cessation.
  • Specialized dressings and techniques for proper wound care.
  • Custom orthotic inserts to improve circulation and foot biomechanics.

Don’t wait and see with circulatory issues! At the Podiatry Center of New Jersey, our team of doctors treats various conditions such as toe deformities, arthritis, nail fungus, and heel pain. Our 16 conveniently located offices provide high-quality care for patients across Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Ocean, Passaic, and Union Counties. Contact our Wayne, NJ office at (973) 925-4111 for an appointment today!