Do You Have Bumps in Your Feet? Get a Blood Test

We don’t think of our feet too much unless there’s something wrong with them. As soon as we have pain or difficulty walking around, we start to worry about our poor feet. Otherwise, we just ignore them.

Well, your feet might save your life, in a way, because it’s in your feet where you can find signs that you’re at risk of heart disease. That’s right. See if you have bumps in your feet because they might be a symptom of worrying heart conditions. We’re sure now you’ll pay more attention to your feet!

They’re not bumps but xanthomas.

Firm, round-shaped bumps often found on your feet are called xanthomas. Large or small, these sometimes-itchy bumps are fat accumulation and happen when you have elevated cholesterol levels, high blood pressure or both. Fat is literally building up in your blood vessels, and it’s visible at the skin surface.

You might also have these fatty bumps on your knees and elbows and your hands. If you have these, take a blood test and talk to your doctor because although the spots are somewhat harmless, high cholesterol levels are dangerous and could cause cardiac arrest or a stroke without notice.

Other causes for xanthomas

Of course, when it comes to our bodies, nothing is easily explained, and there is more than one reason for getting lipid bumps on your skin, some as large as 3 inches in diameter!

Certain cancers can cause xanthomas, and people with diabetes can develop them as well. The most common cause is high blood cholesterol levels, of course, but they can be inherited as well, so check your family history.

Other causes for the formation of xanthomas are a swollen pancreas or an under-active thyroid, so you better check yourself to determine the cause of these bumps.

How to keep cholesterol levels in check

As printed in Harvard Health Publishing, there are four efficient ways of keeping cholesterol levels in check.

Avoid foods high in saturated fats and trans fats, which increase low-density cholesterol levels. Substitute with unsaturated fats in nuts, fish and vegetable oils. Consume whole-grain food, including cereal, bread and pasta. The fiber lowers cholesterol levels and makes you feel more satisfied. Eat fruit and veggies and avoid processed food and unhealthy snacks. You already know this one. Talk to your doctor; perhaps there’s medication to help you get back on track.

It’s never too late to lower those cholesterol levels.

The bad news here is that few signs of having high cholesterol levels are as evident as bumps on your feet or skin. In many ways, cholesterol is a silent killer, so you have to make sure where you’re at.

Talk to your doctor, check your cholesterol levels every few months and act accordingly. Don’t wait until you’re at risk of heart disease; take care of that cholesterol today.

While you’re at it, share this information with friends and family. Perhaps someone has a small bump somewhere and has been wondering what it is. Well, now you know.