Your nutrition affects everything from your eyeballs to your feet. It is no wonder, then, that certain aspects of your diet can cause sore feet. Diabetes, swelling or even a vitamin deficiency could be the culprit. Symptoms of sore or swollen feet could mean there is something more serious going on.
Hyperglycemia
Diabetic neuropathy, a condition that occurs when nerves are damaged because of high blood glucose, can be a serious side effect of diabetes. Diabetes is characterized by your body's inability to move glucose from the blood and into your cells. Eating large amounts of fat, sugar and carbohydrates can lead to diabetes. If diabetes is uncontrolled, diabetic neuropathy can persist. Pain in the limbs, including the feet, is typical of diabetic neuropathy.
Sodium
Eating too much salt can cause edema, or swelling, particularly in your legs and feet. While salt causes your body to retain water all around, gravity pulls the excess fluid down to your feet, which can be painful. An excessive intake of salt triggers your body to hold onto fluid and also causes your thirst sensation to kick in. Both of these mechanisms can result in edema in the feet.
Vtamin B12
A deficiency in vitamin B-12 can reduce circulation in your body. Vitamin B12 helps your body make red blood cells and allows your nervous system to function properly. Without vitamin B-12, your body can suffer from anemia and poor circulation. A vitamin B-12 deficiency can cause tingling in your feet and, if left untreated, can lead to the inability to walk. Adults need 2.4 mcg of B-12 each day. Good sources of vitamin B-12 include fish, liver, meat and dairy.
Considerations
These conditions can be quite serious. If you think your sore feet could be caused by diabetes, edema or a vitamin deficiency, talk with your doctor. Based on your symptoms and medical history, he will be able to tell you if there is something to worry about.
