05/05/2026
We often focus on what’s wrong with our feet, but there are also clear clinical signs that indicate things are functioning well 🦶🏽
From a podiatry perspective, here’s what I assess explained simply 👇🏼
1️⃣ Hair on the toes
Often associated with adequate blood supply (vascular perfusion). Its absence doesn’t always indicate a problem, but its presence can be reassuring.
2️⃣ Healthy pink nail beds
When gentle pressure is applied, the nail should blanch (turn pale) and return to pink quickly. This is known as capillary refill and reflects effective circulation.
3️⃣ Warm feet
Feet should feel warm to touch. Consistent warmth suggests blood is reaching the extremities as it should.
4️⃣ Minimal or no swelling
If socks aren’t leaving deep indentations, it can indicate fluid balance is well managed and there’s no significant oedema.
5️⃣ Intact skin
No cracks, fissures, or open areas. Healthy skin provides a protective barrier against infection.
6️⃣ Normal nail growth
Nails growing evenly, without thickening, discolouration, lifting (onycholysis) or subungual debris.
7️⃣ Timely healing
Minor cuts or skin breaks should heal within an expected timeframe. Delayed healing can indicate underlying issues.
8️⃣ Protective sensation intact
The ability to feel touch, pressure, and temperature is essential in preventing injury particularly important in at-risk patients.
9️⃣ Pain-free mobility
Walking should be comfortable and stable. Pain or altered gait is often a sign something requires assessment.
🔟 No calf pain on walking
Cramping pain in the calves that eases with rest (intermittent claudication) is not considered normal and should be investigated.
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No single sign gives the full picture but together they help build an overall assessment of foot health.
It’s also important to recognise that underlying medical conditions and medications can significantly influence the feet.
Conditions such as Diabetes Mellitus, Peripheral Arterial Disease, Peripheral Neuropathy, and autoimmune conditions can affect circulation, sensation and healing capacity.
Certain medications may also contribute to swelling, skin changes and delayed tissue repair.
🦶🏽 Podiatry is a form of preventative healthcare supporting comfort, mobility and reducing the risk of complications.
If something doesn’t feel right it’s always best to have it assessed.
Abs x 🤍
