Do’s and Don’ts for Healthier Male Feet
June is Men’s Health Month, and for us at NY Foot Health, this means a chance to share some helpful podiatric pointers with all our male patients and the women who love them. Below are some do’s and don’ts on foot care, especially for men:
Do: pay attention to your feet. Your feet are unique structures made up of 52 bones, 66 joints, and over 200 muscles and tendons! If you experience foot pain or discomfort, that’s your feet letting you know something isn’t right. The pain you can’t track down on your own needs to be evaluated by a podiatrist. Men are more likely than women to put off making doctor’s appointments. Use our online directory to find a foot doctor near you and deal with foot problems promptly.
Do: watch your diet. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces strain on your feet and ankles. A diet that contains lots of fruits and vegetables can help fight inflammation, a common symptom of many foot ailments.
Do: be aware of gout triggers. Gout most often afflicts men ages 30-50. The most common site of gout is the big toe. If you’ve suffered a previous attack, work with your podiatrist to track down possible triggers. Certain foods and beverages (red meat, shellfish, organ meats, brandy, and beer), medications and medical conditions can all bring on a flare-up.
Don’t: let your feet sit in damp socks. It is the perfect breeding ground for athlete’s foot, fungal toenails, and other infections. Wear clean socks every day, and if your feet tend to sweat profusely, keep a spare pair of socks handy and change when feet feel moist. Use a foot or antifungal powder on your feet each morning. Don’t wear sneakers without socks.
Do: wear the right shoes for your activities. Hiking, soccer, tennis—today’s sports shoes are designed to accommodate the movement required of your feet by specific sports. If you’re a serious player or participant, be sure to have the appropriate shoes and make sure they fit correctly. Avoid shoes that are too narrow and cause toes to be pressed against one another to avoid painful ingrown toenails.
Don’t: forget to inspect your feet periodically. Many conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes first exhibit signs in your feet. If you notice any unusual symptoms (hair loss on toes, swelling, skin discoloration), please promptly get it checked out by a podiatrist.
To learn more about men’s foot health issues contact us and subscribe to our free e-newsletter.