Your Feet Are Talking. Are You Listening? What your feet say about your health

Your feet may know something your body doesn’t yet

What your feet say about your health

Balance By Geisinger | Published Aug. 11, 2025 | Tags: Bone | Muscle | Health

Your feet might be trying to tell you something — and it’s more than just needing a new pair of shoes. From swelling and tingling to dryness and burning at night, your feet can offer surprising insights into your overall health.

“People often overlook their feet, but they’re actually a window into your vascular, neurological, and even metabolic health,” says Justine Metcho, DPM, a podiatrist at Geisinger. “That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to what your feet are telling you.”

Here are some common foot symptoms that might be signaling something deeper, and what to do about them.

Dry, cracked feet

Flaky or cracked heels might seem like a minor cosmetic issue, but they can hint at underlying health conditions.

“What do dry feet say about your health? In some cases, it may point to dehydration, eczema, or even an underactive thyroid,” says Dr. Metcho. “And for people with diabetes, dry skin on the feet can lead to more serious complications if not managed properly.”

Moisturize daily, wear breathable shoes, and check for signs of infection like redness or oozing. If dryness persists, talk to your doctor.

Swelling in your feet and ankles

Notice your shoes feeling tighter at the end of the day? Swelling in feet can happen for a variety of reasons, from standing too long to heart or kidney issues.

“Heart failure swollen feet is something we watch for closely,” says Dr. Metcho. “If you have swelling that doesn’t go away, especially if it’s in both feet and accompanied by shortness of breath or fatigue, it could be a sign of something more serious.”

Compression socks, elevating your feet, and limiting salt intake may help, but chronic swelling should be evaluated by a doctor.

Tingling, pins and needles in feet

That tingling or “pins and needles” sensation might feel like your foot is asleep — but if it happens often, it could indicate nerve damage.

Tingling in feet, especially if it’s chronic, may be a sign of peripheral neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes. It can also be caused by vitamin deficiencies, alcohol use, or nerve compression.

“Don’t ignore these signs,” says Dr. Metcho. “Nerve issues can worsen over time, and early treatment is key to preventing long-term damage.”

Burning feet at night

If your feet feel like they’re on fire, especially at night, it may be more than just a nuisance.

Burning feet at night can be caused by nerve issues, poor circulation or chronic conditions like diabetes. It can also result from infections, athlete’s foot, or even certain medications.

Try cooling foot soaks or over-the-counter pain creams, but see a healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen.

Itchy feet

We’ve all had itchy feet at some point, but persistent itchiness can signal problems beyond dry skin.

Itching feet may be caused by fungal infections like athlete’s foot, eczema, contact dermatitis, or even liver issues. If the itching is severe, widespread, or involves peeling skin or blisters, it’s time to get checked out.

“Persistent itching, especially with changes in skin texture or color, should be evaluated to rule out infection or other underlying causes,” says Dr. Metcho.

Watch out for diabetes-related foot issues

If you have diabetes, foot care is especially important. Diabetes feet are at risk for poor circulation, nerve damage, and delayed healing — a combination that can lead to ulcers or infections.

“Check your feet daily for cuts, blisters, or color changes,” advises Dr. Metcho. “Even a small injury can become a big problem if left untreated.”

Regular foot exams, good hygiene, and wearing properly fitting shoes are essential for prevention.

Your feet are talking. Are you listening?

Whether it’s tingling, burning, swelling, or dryness, foot symptoms are worth noticing. They could be harmless — or they could be early warnings of conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or thyroid dysfunction.

If your feet are sending you signals, don’t ignore them. Schedule a visit with a podiatrist or primary care provider and get the support you need.