Why Men’s Foot Care Should Not be Optional
In honor of Men’s Health Month and Father’s Day, we want to discuss an area of the body that is often overlooked by men: their feet! Unfortunately, men tend to ignore their health unless there’s an emergency. And, when it comes to your foot health, problems often develop slowly. That’s why it’s so important to focus on preventative foot health with our Westfield podiatrist’s favorite tips and products. And, when any discomfort develops, it’s even more important to call your podiatrist right away!
Must Have Men’s Foot Care Products
Good moisturizer. Men’s feet are notoriously dry. And dry skin can mean cracked, bleeding heels. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to keep your feet from drying out. Just buy a great moisturizer—we like ones that contain urea—and use it every day. An easy way to work moisturizing into your routine? Apply cream right before bed. Then, slip on some socks and let your feet soak up moisture all night long.
Supportive orthotics. Whether standing or at a desk all day, men put lots of pressure on their feet. That can easily lead to foot pain when you get home and take your shoes off. And, over time, your arches could collapse or you could even develop bunions. Want to take the weight of the world off your feet? Invest in a pair of orthotics. Designed to support your unique foot structure, you can wear orthotics with dress shoes, running shoes and even winter boots. And when you do, you can help keep arch and heel pain at bay.
Preventative Care for Men’s Feet
Now that you’re stocked with great foot care products, follow these tips to prevent common men’s foot problems.
Clean and dry your feet daily. Men often deal with Athlete’s foot, a fungal infection that usually develops on the soles of your feet or between your toes. Want to steer clear of this scaly, itchy problem? Change your socks every day and wash your feet (drying them completely) at least once a day. You could also boost your safety by spraying your shoes with anti-fungal spray (or simple Lysol) at least once a week.
And keep them covered. Walking barefoot leaves your feet open to fungal infections (see above) as well as injuries. Plus, it forces your bare feet to absorb the full shock of walking, which can strain your Achilles tendon and plantar fascia, leading to heel and arch pain. To avoid this problem, always wear your shoes. And even at home, try to slip into supportive slippers!
Watch for changes. The final step to protecting your feet and nails is to look at them regularly. Notice a change in the color of your nails? Suddenly see a new bump on the side of your foot? Or harder spots of skin, especially between or on your toes? Those are all signs of a problem which should send you to the podiatrist right away.
Remember, a podiatrist is a trained doctor who specializes in treating your feet, ankles and toes. So, just like you see your general physician once a year, you should also check in annually with your podiatrist. Then, if you notice any signs of trouble, you won’t have to scramble to find someone who can help you. Instead, you can make an immediate appointment with Westfield, IN podiatrist Dr. David Sullivan. That way, a small issue with your feet won’t become a major problem!