Learn More About Thyroid Disease
January is Thyroid Awareness Month and a great opportunity to learn more about what your thyroid is, what it does, and what you might notice if it isn’t functioning as it should. Here are some thyroid facts for you from Cook County podiatrist Dr. Stavros O. Alexopoulos.
What is the Thyroid?
The thyroid is small, butterfly-shaped, and located in your throat. Your thyroid is part of your endocrine system, the system of hormone-regulating feedback loops that operate throughout your body. Your endocrine system is responsible for proper growth, development, mood, metabolism, reproduction, and more. The thyroid manages hormones related to metabolism.
What is Thyroid Disease?
Men, women, and children are all vulnerable to thyroid disease, although it is much more common in females than in males. People with diabetes are more likely to develop thyroid disease than their non-diabetic peers. When the thyroid is overactive, it releases too much hormone called hyperthyroidism. One form of hyperthyroidism is called Grave’s Disease.
There is an overlap between the symptoms of thyroid disease and those of other ailments. A simple blood test for the Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:
- insomnia
- rapid heartbeat
- weight loss
- high blood sugar
- frequent urination
- anxiety
- tremors
- heat intolerance
- bulging eyes
When the thyroid is underactive, not enough hormone is present in the body. It can present as Hashimoto’s Disease or a variety of other diagnoses.
Symptoms may include:
- sluggishness and sleepiness
- slow pulse
- weight gain
- constipation
- hair loss
- depression
- cold intolerance
In the lower body, thyroid disease can present as:
- swollen, puffy feet
- foot cramps
- yellowing of the soles
- persistent fungal infections
- feet that are cold to the touch and don’t warm up in slippers or socks and shoes
- dry, coarse skin with bleeding or cracking at the heels
If you experience foot pain for any reason, if you notice a change in the shape or appearance of your feet, or if your feet, ankles, or lower legs are simply feeling “different,” the first step toward recovery is a visit with your foot doctor. With years of specialized education and experience, your podiatrist is the best-qualified medical professional to examine, diagnose, and treat this part of your body.
Are you worried about the effects of thyroid disease on your feet, or do you have another concern about the wellness of your feet, ankles, or lower legs? Call the friendly My Chicago Foot Expert staff at (773) 561-8100 or click here to schedule an appointment with Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM, in our modern, comfortable Ravenswood office today.
