It may seem strange to mention kidneys and feet in the same sentence, but the health of your kidneys can actually impact your foot health. When someone is afflicted with kidney disease, all systems in the body can suffer. This includes the circulatory system, which is responsible for transporting blood throughout the body, and the nervous system, which sends and receives messages between various parts of the body and the brain. People with kidney disease often have poor circulation in their lower limbs and nerve damage along the nerves that supply the feet. This results in an increased likelihood of developing foot ulcers, which are poorly healing wounds on the feet that can become infected. If you have kidney disease, a podiatrist can help you manage the health of your feet to prevent any foot-related complications.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, it is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly.  If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact Dr. Michael A. Wood from Foot Health Institute. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric needs.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable.  Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet. 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Lansing, and Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.