Experts Warn 7 Foot Symptoms Can Flag Diabetes, PAD and Kidney Disease

Q: What surprising chronic infection dramatically increases your risk for artery disease that can be detected through changes in your feet?

The surprising chronic infection is **HIV**. Experts and research cited alongside the foot-health report show that HIV is not only an immune-system infection but also a **chronic inflammatory, pro-atherosclerotic condition**. That means it can significantly raise the risk of **peripheral artery disease (PAD)**, a form of artery disease that reduces blood flow to the legs and feet. That matters because PAD can show up in the feet before it is diagnosed elsewhere. Warning signs include **loss of hair on the feet or toes, pale or dry skin, cold feet, weak circulation, and sores that do not heal**. Those are the same kinds of changes podiatrists say should prompt medical evaluation, because they may reflect a broader vascular problem rather than a simple foot issue. The link is considered surprising because HIV is often thought of mainly as an infectious disease, yet studies show it can also contribute to **endothelial damage, chronic inflammation, and metabolic changes** that accelerate artery disease. In practical terms, persistent foot changes can be an early clue that someone may have PAD and needs assessment for underlying causes, including major cardiovascular risk factors and, in some cases, HIV. Anyone with ongoing foot symptoms suggestive of poor circulation should see a doctor or podiatrist promptly, since early diagnosis of PAD can help prevent ulcers, limb damage, heart attack, or stroke.

2 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Jul 3

Seven foot changes — from numb toes to a sore that will not heal — can be early signs of systemic disease rather than minor shoe or activity problems, experts said.
Hair loss on feet, cold toes and lingering wounds can point to Peripheral artery disease, while a red itchy inner-ankle patch may signal venous insufficiency caused by blood pooling in the legs.
Burning, tingling or numbness can reflect Neuropathy from uncontrolled diabetes, a compressed spinal nerve or vitamin B12 deficiency; sudden big-toe pain often marks gout tied to excess uric acid and sometimes kidney disease.
Thick yellow toenails may indicate fungal infection or psoriasis, and brittle, ridged or spoon-shaped nails can reflect major illness, poor nutrition, uncontrolled diabetes or iron deficiency anemia.
Experts said persistent symptoms should be checked early by a podiatrist or primary-care doctor, who can treat the foot problem and refer patients to vascular, endocrine or other specialists if needed.