Do’s And Don’ts for Happy, Healthy Male Feet
Did you know June is Men’s Health Month? This observance is a chance to share some helpful tips with all our male patients and the women who care for them. So today, Dr. Ross Cohen of The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, is sharing more information regarding some do’s and don’ts on proper foot care for men.
Do: Show your feet some consideration. Your feet comprise up to 66 joints, 52 bones, and more than 200 tendons and muscles! If you begin to experience foot discomfort or pain, your feet signal something isn’t right. If you can’t locate the source of the pain on your own, you will need an examination by your podiatrist.
Do: Maintain a healthy diet. Staying a healthy weight decreases stress on your ankles and feet. In addition, a diet consisting of a lot of vegetables and fruit can help combat inflammation, which is a common symptom of many foot conditions.
Do: Be aware of triggers that signal Gout. Gout typically affects men between the ages of 30-50 in the big toe. Certain beverages and food (red meat, organ meats, shellfish, beer, brandy), medical conditions, and medications can trigger flare-ups. If you’ve suffered a previous episode, work with your podiatrist to identify possible triggers.
Don’t: Wear clean, dry socks. Damp socks are the perfect breeding ground for fungal toenails, athlete’s foot, and other infections. To combat this, wear clean socks every day. Also, if your feet sweat profusely, change your socks when your feet feel damp. Use an antifungal or foot powder on your feet each morning, and don’t wear sneakers or shoes without socks.
Do: Wear the correct shoes. Soccer, tennis, hiking - today’s design in sports shoes adjust to the movement of your feet in certain sports. If you’re a serious participant, wear the proper footwear, make sure they fit correctly and provide support. Don’t wear too narrow shoes that press the toes against each other to prevent painful ingrown toenails.
Don’t: Forget to examine your feet regularly. Many conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, first show symptoms in your feet. If you notice any unusual signs, such as hair loss on your toes, swelling, or skin discoloration, schedule an appointment with your podiatrist right away.
For more tips and dos and don’ts, contact the office of Dr. Ross Cohen of The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland in Glen Burnie, Maryland, at (410) 761-3501 today to schedule a consultation.