Many of our patients understand that their back, knee, and even the upper back issues they visit us for begin at the feet. Gait asymmetries and other problems with mechanics we adapt to from early on are often the reasons why we hurt. Recently, a patient visited us with a complaint of plantar fasciitis and heel pain. She was surprised when I began to ask her about her back, neck, headaches jaw and other issues, probably because most doctors, including her regular doctor, only looked at where she hurt. Unlike the others, I wanted to know what may be causing her feet to ache, whereas others she visited including a local chiropractor only looked at where the pain was. Looking at the feet can also help us understand if you have problems such as Hand, foot, and mouth disease is an infectious disease that can often be seen on the feet. Certain nutritional deficiencies can show up in the nails of the hands or toes. Problems with circulation can result in swelling in the ankle and foot. Fungal infections such as tinea pedis, also known as athlete’s foot or measles, can discolor the skin. Blue toe syndrome is often caused by circulatory problems, often coming from the major arteries, and can result in toes developing gangrene and requiring amputation. Arterial endocarditis can present as raised red swellings that are not painful on the feet. The Babinski sign on a diagnostic exam can indicate neurological problems, and this is often checked on young children and is considered normal for them, but not for adults. I came across this blog post that offers other information on other conditions that often show up on our feet. Check out the post below. What Your Feet Can Tell You About Your Health