Social media claims ‘death begins in your big toe’; we ask experts what that means
Published on: Aug. 13, 2025, 5:26 p.m. | Source: The Indian Express
The social media claim that "death begins in your big toe" highlights the critical importance of blood flow to the body's extremities, a point largely affirmed by medical experts. Dr. Saumya Sekhar Jenasamant, a cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon, explains that while the claim is "over-generalized," the big toe, being the farthest point from the heart, can indeed show the first warning signs of underlying health complications, especially in patients with diabetes, peripheral artery disease (PAD), or heart issues, due to impaired circulation. Poor circulation to the feet can cause numbness, tingling, coldness, discoloration, and slow-healing wounds, potentially leading to infections, ulcers, and gangrene in severe cases. Dr. Manjusha Agarwal emphasizes that prolonged sitting significantly reduces blood flow to the legs, necessitating regular movement to maintain circulation and prevent stiffness, numbness, and swelling. Both experts stress the importance of not ignoring foot-related symptoms and advocate for regular exercise, managing blood sugar and cholesterol, and routine foot inspections, especially for individuals with risk factors, to ensure overall health and prevent serious issues from manifesting in the feet.
