How Smoking Damages Your Feet
Most people know that smoking is harmful to the heart and lungs, but fewer realize the significant toll it takes on foot health. The link between smoking and foot health is real, and it’s often overlooked until serious complications arise.
Smoking restricts blood flow by damaging blood vessels, making it harder for oxygen-rich blood to reach your feet. Poor circulation can lead to slow healing, chronic ulcers, and a greater risk of infections. For patients with diabetes or peripheral artery disease, the risks are even more severe. In extreme cases, untreated foot wounds can lead to tissue death and amputation.[1]
Another consequence of smoking is a weakened immune response. Your body becomes less effective at fighting off bacteria and fungi, increasing the likelihood of stubborn infections such as fungal toenails or cellulitis. Smokers also report higher levels of nerve damage (neuropathy), which can reduce sensation in the feet, making injuries harder to detect early.
What About Vaping?
While often marketed as a safer alternative, vaping can still harm your feet. Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which, like in traditional cigarettes, narrows blood vessels and reduces circulation. This makes it harder for wounds to heal and increases the risk of infection, especially in your lower limbs.
Vaping has also been shown to trigger inflammation and oxidative stress, which can slow healing and aggravate chronic conditions like diabetes. Early studies suggest it may also negatively affect nerve health, raising concerns about long-term effects on sensation and foot protection.
So while vaping might feel like a better option, it’s not risk-free when it comes to your health.
What can you do? The most effective step is to quit smoking or vaping. Your circulation and healing capacity begin improving quickly after quitting. If you’re working toward quitting, talk to your healthcare provider. There are many tools and support programs available.
And don’t overlook your feet, whether you smoke, vape, or are trying to quit, regular chiropody visits can help detect issues early and keep your feet on solid ground.
