Diagnosis using the foot is similar to that of the hand, al-though it has some of its own specificity. The general inspectionof the foot and big toe are the two important diagnostic methods discussed as follows:
1. General inspection of foot
This is a diagnostic method to show the functional condi-tion of the body by observing the general appearance of thefoot. The common types of foot are mentioned as follows:
1) Normal foot:
Shape: The curvature of the dorsum of foot and tips of toes are smooth and full and the toes are soft, elastic, and regualarly arranged. The nails are shiny and transparent and the subungual tissue is bright red in color. The curve of the arch is normal and smooth. The anterior part of instep, lateral border, and heel pad are regular in shape with no abnormal thickening or atrophy. And there is no tinea infection between the toes (Fig. 4-16).
Indication: This indicates the body is health, built proportionally, and vital energy is rich.
2) Solid foot:
Shape: The foot appears thick and solid, the toes are close to each other, and the big toe deviates laterally. The toenails, arch, and plantar pad are normal (Fig. 4-17).
Indication: People with solid feet have normal body functions, are better adapted to the external environment, and can resist attacks of external pathogens. The solid foot has better softness, elasticity and motility, and is usually found in those enjoying good health and long life. ff the small joints of the foot are stiff and less mobiles, this indicates susceptibility to vascular diseases of the heart and brain, and spinal nervous system diseases, and if the instep is depressed, it indicates susceptibility to metabolic and liver diseases.
3) Separated foot:
Shape: The foot is thin and the toes are separated from each other. The nails are white with low transparency. The arch is depressed with poor elasticity and the plantar pad is wide (Fig. 4-17).
Indication: This is a type of foot usually found in people with jobs requiring constant standing. It can indicate that the physiological functions are abnormal and the internal organs are subject to attacks of pathogens. It also indicates susceptibility to respiratory, circulatory, digestive and metabolic diseases, and these diseases may be very severe and accompanied by complications.
4) Drumlike foot:
Shape: The big toe is short and narrow and the second toe is protruding. The toes deviate toward the longitudinal midline of the foot to assume a fusiform shape with a wider middle section. The nails are less transparent and the color Of subungual tissue is uneven (Fig. 4-17).
Indication: This type of foot is usually caused by wearing ill-fitting shoes causing soreness and pain in the foot, ankle joint, leg, and waist. It also may appear in those with a depressed foot arch, nervousness, schizophrenia, and kidney diseases. These people should pay attention to their emotional state and urinary system.
