4 Common Issues that Hurt Men’s Feet
In the past, we’ve talked about why women need to see a podiatrist more often. But today, we’re talking to the guys. Because, as much as you hate going to the doctor, these common men’s feet issues can’t be ignored without causing more complications!
Four Problems That Hurt Men’s Feet More
While all these conditions can affect any individual, men’s feet are at higher risk because of certain lifestyle conditions.
Heel Pain
One of the most common causes of heel pain in men’s feet is plantar fasciitis. This condition develops when you’ve got inflammation in your plantar fascia. (It’s the thick band of tissue connecting your heel to the ball of your foot.)
But what causes that inflammation? Constant stress and pressure on your feet, that creates teeny tiny tears in the fascia. Want to relieve heel pain? Try rolling a golf ball along the bottom of your foot or use a frozen water bottle instead. Rest, anti-inflammatory medications and fitting you for orthotics can help prevent the pain and inflammation from returning.
Ingrown Toenails
While many women go for pedicures or file their nails, men often use clippers for their toenails. Or sometimes, they just rip them off, which obviously isn’t ideal. The problem is, when you cut your nail too short, or follow the curve of your nail bed, it may start growing inward. And that’s when you get ingrown toenails.
Notice that the skin around your nail bed is red or showing signs of pus? Don’t try to cut the nail yourself. Instead, soak the nail in warm water to prevent further infection. Then, give us a call right away to treat the nail in a sterile environment.
Foot Fungus in Men’s Feet
When your feet get hot and sweat and you don’t get them dry quickly, you may develop Athlete’s foot, an itchy fungal infection. Most often, you’ll notice a rash between your toes, and your feet may also develop an odor. To avoid infection, always wear footwear in locker rooms and when at the pool. Clean sweaty feet as soon as you can, making sure to wash and dry the areas between your toes. Then, if you notice itching or see a new rash appear, skip the over-the-counter creams and come in for treatment that will clear the rash and keep fungus from returning.
Achilles Tendon Pain
If you’ve noticed a shooting pain just beneath your calf muscle, chances are you’ve got Achilles tendonitis. When inflamed, you may feel heel pain along with the discomfort in your leg and calf muscle.
Like heel pain, Achilles tendon pain develops because of stress and inflammation. Prevent problems by wearing supportive shoes and stretching your leg and calf muscles before and after exercise. Already in trouble? Stop working out right away and see if rest improves your discomfort. But if the pain doesn’t resolve after a day or two of rest, come into the office immediately! Untreated Achilles tendon pain can lead to a rupture and surgery.
So many of men’s daily activities can put pressure on their feet. And that can add up to serious discomfort. Want to avoid getting sidelined by foot pain? Contact our Westfield podiatrist at the first sign of discomfort and ask for an immediate appointment.