06-05-2025
Doctor explains what common symptoms in our feet can tell us about our health
These signs indicate an array of health problems, according to the expert.
Issues with our feet are extremely common - whether they're sore, red, itchy or swollen. But while these irritating symptoms often come and go, they can sometimes indicate that something else is going on with our health.
But one social media doctor has shared a list of common symptoms that can appear in the feet, and what each one could indicate about the rest of your body. Dr Eric Berg is a health expert that boasts over 17 million YouTube subscribers and over a million TikTok followers.
He often shares health advice on social media, covering a wide range of topics. A recent video on his TikTok page discussed all kinds of different symptoms than can appear in our feet.
Dr Berg said: "Your feet can tell you a lot about your internal health."
Here are five foot symptoms that the doctor listed, and what they could signify about your health.
Itchy feet
The expert continued: "If your feet itch or they feel really really hot, suspect a liver problem."
The Liver Foundation affirms that itching is a symptom of liver disease.
Those with liver disease might itch anywhere on the body, but it's most common on the arms and legs, or the palms of your hands or, as Dr Berg said, the soles of your feet.
If you have persistent itching anywhere on your body, you should speak to a health professional.
Cramps in the feet
Dr Berg said: "Cramps in the foot, especially if you're trying to sleep, is a magnesium deficiency."
Magnesium plays a crucial role in muscle function, and a deficiency can indeed lead to muscle spasms and cramps, which can appear in the feet.
Other causes of foot cramps include having low potassium levels, or even inadequate footwear.
Swelling in the feet
"If you have edema or swelling in your feet, you can suspect either a liver problem or a heart problem."
Edema is swelling in the feet or ankles, which can point towards several medical conditions, including heart problems or even heart failure.
The Mayo Clinic explains that congestive heart failure causes one or both of the heart's lower chambers stop pumping blood well enough. As a result, blood can back up in the legs, ankles and feet, causing edema.
Plantar fasciitis
"Plantar fasciitis is usually a magnesium deficiency", said the health expert.
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition causing pain on the bottom of the foot, usually in the heel and arch.
It's caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a thick band of tissue that runs along the sole of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes.
Taking magnesium supplements can ease the symptoms of this painful condition, due to its anti-inflammatory properties. These supplements vary in price and come in many forms including tablet, powder and liquid.
Amazon stocks a wide variety of magnesium supplements ranging in prices as does Holland & Barrett, which is also offering three for two on products.
Magnesium also plays a crucial role in muscle relaxation.
This can alleviate tension in the calf and foot muscles, which often contribute to plantar fasciitis.
Discolouration
"Discolouration in the bottom of your foot, whether it's like a brownish or a rust-coloured little dot, suspect type-2 diabetes", finished the expert.
Cleveland Clinic explains that many foot conditions are related to diabetes, including a rare complication of the condition known as Charcot foot.
One of the symptoms of this diabetes -related condition is a discolouration of the feet.
If you have any persistent symptoms, it's always best to check with your GP.
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