Doctor warns sore feet could be sign of mineral deficiency

Dr Eric Berg explained how several common symptoms that appear in the feet could be indicative of an underlying health problem

A doctor who says 'your feet are a diagnostic window into your health problems' has shared a list of 'common disease warning signs that show up as foot symptoms'.

Explaining how the heart and feet are connected in a recent YouTube video, Dr Eric Berg DC outlined how several common complaints such as swollen feet or foot cramps could be indicative of an underlying health problem — but it doesn't mean something is wrong just because you have symptoms.

Dr Berg says to always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any concerns and to speak to your doctor before making any changes to your diet or health regimen. That said, you might be alerted to the need to speak to your GP after noticing a foot problem.

Numb feet

According to the health expert, peripheral neuropathy can show up as numbness or burning in the feet due to low vitamin B1. "Benfotiamine, a fat-soluble form of vitamin B1, may help," he says.

As per the NHS, peripheral neuropathy develops when nerves in the body's extremities are damaged. It's estimated to affect almost 1 in 10 people aged 55 and over in the UK, with diabetes (type 1 and type 2) recognised as the most common cause.

The NHS says you should see a GP if you experience early symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, such as pain, tingling or loss of sensation in the feet, loss of balance or weakness, or a cut or ulcer on your foot that's not getting better.

Blue toes

If you find your fingers or toes are turning blue, the symptoms could be linked to an overactive sympathetic nervous system, says Dr Berg. "This is often treated medically with calcium channel blockers. Magnesium is a natural calcium channel blocker and the primary regulator of calcium inside the cells. Magnesium glycinate is the most absorbable form of magnesium," he explains.

Foot cramps

"Foot cramps and [Charley] horses in the calves are among the earliest signs of magnesium deficiency."

As per the NHS, women aged 19 to 64 need 270mg of magnesium a day, and men aged 19 to 64 need 300mg. You may wish to take supplements, but taking too much could be harmful. "Taking high doses of magnesium (more than 400mg) for a short time can cause diarrhoea," the NHS warns. It is usually possible to get all the magnesium you need from your diet, with spinach, nuts and wholemeal bread all listed as good sources of magnesium.

Swollen feet

"Swelling of feet typically involves diabetes and excess sugar in the blood, which causes sodium and water retention," said the doctor.

According to the NHS, you should visit your GP as soon as possible if you experience diabetes symptoms, which include feeling very thirsty, peeing more frequently than usual, feeling very tired, weight loss, itching around the penis or vagina, and blurred vision. If you are diagnosed, your doctor can advise on the best course of treatment

Discoloration of lower legs and feet

Dr Berg says: "This is often caused by a circulation problem. Deep vein thrombosis is a condition where you develop clots in the veins of the lower legs. This can cause fluid retention and discoloration of the lower legs and feet."

The NHS says to get medical help as soon as possible if you think you have deep vein thrombosis. Symptoms in the leg include a throbbing pain when walking or standing up, swelling, warm skin around the painful area, red or darkened skin are the painful area, and swollen veins that are hard or sore when touched.

Big toe pain

"Pain in the big toe is usually a symptom of gout caused by too much uric acid," says the expert. "Decreasing oxalates in the diet can sometimes solve this problem. Magnesium can also help decrease oxalates."

The NHS says to see a GP if you have symptoms of gout for the first time or you have gout and your usual treatments are not helping. Symptoms include sudden severe pain in a joint and hot, swollen, red skin over the affected joint.