Figuring Out Your Feet — and Your Thyroid

Figuring Out Your Feet — and Your Thyroid

thyroid

Have you ever wondered what your thyroid has to do with swollen feet or ankles? Consider the weight gain you may have experienced without warning. If you’ve noticed these changes, have you thought about how a small, hormone-producing gland could be playing a role? We never recommend guessing, but it’s a great start to learn more. January is Thyroid Awareness Month, and we have the privilege of helping raise awareness.

Here’s a fact from the doctors at the New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group: When the thyroid is improperly functioning, you may be able to spot the early symptoms in your feet and ankles first. Do you know the signs?

Here are a few more facts:

  1. We find the small, hormone-producing gland in the middle of the lower part of the neck. Most people consider it to be relatively small.
  2. More than half of people living in our nation are living day-to-day without an official diagnosis of a thyroid disorder.
  3. Women are at a higher risk of receiving a thyroid disorder diagnosis during their lifetime.
  4. As with most disorders, early detection plays a critical role. Know the signs and contact a doctor for a closer look if you have concerns.

We’ve mentioned hormones quite a bit in this post, but which one are we referencing? Well, it’s an important one. The thyroid produces the hormone that regulates our body’s metabolism, impacting our heart rate and energy level. When something is working improperly, our body responds.

Patients most often run into two problems: hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism means that your body is producing too much of the hormone. A patient may experience weight loss, irritability, or even vision problems.

Hypothyroidism means the body isn’t producing enough. Weight gain and fatigue are common symptoms. A podiatry-related concern is swollen feet and ankles, which may lead to joint pain.

Some people are walking around with these symptoms and ignoring them. They may also be underestimating what the signs can signal. To maintain a healthy body, from head to toe, check in about your thyroid. If you are diagnosed with a thyroid disorder, know that you are not alone. The condition is treatable.

At the New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group, there are almost 30 foot and ankle surgeons, podiatrists, and doctors. With more than 30 locations, from Newark, NJ, to Cape May, NJ, we value convenience and excellent service for our patients. We offer compassionate, cutting-edge care across our network, and we specialize in treating the following conditions: ankle and sports injuries, heel pain and plantar fasciitisbunionshammertoescorns and callusesingrown toenailsdiabetic foot care complicationschildren’s foot problemsskin conditions of the feet, and fungal nails. Our group is among the best foot and ankle providers in the country. To schedule an appointment, first find a podiatrist in your area.