Thyroid Awareness Month

Happy New Year! January is a great time to refresh your memory on all-things awareness. Why not start with a reminder about Thyroid Awareness Month? If you’re not too familiar with this gland, don’t worry. We’re here to help you learn more about how this gland has a total-body impact. The Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists want to help you start the conversation with members of your care team, including us. Do you know what is normal? Follow along to learn how to be proactive. 

Did you know that about 20 million Americans have received a thyroid disease diagnosis? A more concerning detail is that up to 60% of Americans live with a form of thyroid disease of which they are unaware. We want to see this percentage decrease. 

Let’s talk about the thyroid.

Size and location 

Are you wondering where the thyroid lives in your body? Look no further than your neck. The gland sits in the lower middle area of the front of the neck. Can you find it? It’s a small gland shaped like a butterfly, but it packs power.

Purpose

This gland produces a hormone that impacts each cell, tissue, and organ in the body. It regulates the body’s metabolism, which is how fast or slow we convert food to energy. Metabolism influences a person’s energy level and heart rate. What an impact! When the thyroid is not functioning normally, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism may occur.

Problems

Hypothyroidism happens when the gland doesn’t produce enough hormone. Each person is unique, but fatigue and weight gain are among the many potential symptoms.

Hyperthyroidism presents the opposite problem: excessive production of the hormone. Weight loss, irritability, vision problems, and more are symptoms to monitor. 

How can this impact your feet and ankles? Swelling is also a symptom of hypothyroidism. Patients can have swollen feet and ankles, including joint pain. 

Here are additional facts to consider for you and your family:

– Women are more likely to have a thyroid disorder.

– More than 12% of people in the United States will develop a thyroid condition.

With locations in Tucson, Oro Valley, and Green Valley areas of Pima County, Arizona, we have vast experience treating issues of the ankles and feet. Our podiatry team, Dr. Christopher M. Funk, Dr. Bradley A. Whitaker, Dr. Peter C. Merrill, and Dr. Zeno Pfau. Our doctors offer the greatest in technologically advanced methods and cutting-edge medical treatments. Please call 520-575-0800 to make your appointment.