Feet and the thyroid connection -
1. Dry, flaky and cracked - in a 2012 study of 460 patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism, 300 presented with dry, coarse skin. In another study in the same year 100% of patients with hypothyroidism had rough, dry skin.
2. Cold feet - Thyroid pioneer Dr Broda Barnes (1906-1988) wrote, “When thyroid function is low, circulation is reduced. In advanced cases of hypothyroidism, the skin, in fact, may receive as little as one 1/4 to 1/5th the normal blood supply.” Extremities are notably vulnerable to poor circulation, especially in the colder months. You may also have cold hands, tip of the nose and bottom.
3. Yellowing soles of the feet - in hypothyroidism this is due to a build up of beta-carotene which is stored in the external layer of skin - palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Thyroid hormone is needed for the conversion of beta-carotene to vitamin A. This is what gives carrots their bright orange colour.
4. Cramp and foot pain - is a common complaint in people with thyroid disease. As is plantar fasciitis, especially shooting foot pain first thing. Carpal tunnel syndrome is also associated with hypothyroidism, as are burning feet.
5. Numbness and pins and needles - the insulating layer around nerves, the axonal myelin sheath, degenerates without sufficient thyroid hormone causing these unpleasant sensations.
These are just some of the signs our feet tell us about the health of our thyroid, even a long time before a diagnosis.
