Common Foot Problems in Men

By: Williette Nyanue - June is the month that we celebrate Father’s Day! This coming Sunday, many of us will celebrate the day set aside to honor the men in our families for all of the hard work they do for us. How fitting is it then that June is also Men’s Health Month? In case you did not know:

Men’s Health month is celebrated across the country with screenings, health fairs, media appearances, and other health education and outreach activities. The purpose of Men’s Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.[1]

Men are notorious for neglecting their health. Dr. Weil Jr. has even seen it with his male patients. He states, “Men neglect their feet more than women because we can be stubborn. When they do show up at my office, their problems are usually worse off.” Men’s health month is celebrated the entire month of June, with special emphasis this month on June 11^th-17^th, which is Men’s Health Week. We have been celebrating Men’s Health Week by filling our Twitter and Facebook pages with facts, statistics and solutions to common men’s health problems. In honor of Father’s Day, Men’s Health Month and the culmination of Men’s Health week, we have put together a list of common foot problems that we see here at the Weil Foot and Ankle Institute and ways to solve these problems.

Common Foot Problems in Men

•  Excessive Sweating/Foot Odor – Did you know that there are over 250,000 sweat glands on your feet alone? While excessive sweating doesn’t cause foot odor, areas affected by excessive sweat can be the breeding ground for odor causing bacteria. 
• The first step in controlling foot odor is taking proper care of your feet. Talk to your Weil Foot and Ankle physician about proper foot hygiene to control and prevent the development of odor causing bacteria.
•  Wash your feet daily with warm water and a mild soap, and dry them completely.
• Change your socks frequently, at least once a day.
•  Invest in an odor absorbing foot powder and/or a foot antiperspirant if you suffer from excessive sweating.
• Allow your shoes to dry completely before wearing them. This will help to stunt the growth of odor causing bacteria.
•  The SteriShoe Ultraviolet Sanitizer is a shoe sanitizer that works to kill off the germs that cause foot infections and offensive shoe odor.
•  Fungal Infections/Athlete’s Foot –Fungal infections occur when fungus grows on your feet. Fungi usually grow in warm, moist environments, so if you suffer from excessive foot sweating take special precaution. Athlete’s Foot, one of the most common fungal infections, is contagious and can be transferred by the sharing of socks and shoes or through a wet gym or pool floor. It is estimated that 1 in 5 people have Athlete’s foot, with men accounting for the majority of cases.[2]  Fungal infections can also spread to your nails and cause them to become thick and discolored. Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot include red, itchy skin, burning and/or pain and blisters. 
• If you suffer from Athlete’s foot or any other fungal infection, contact your Weil Foot and Ankle physician, who will be able to prescribe you a medication that will clear up the source of the fungal infection.
• For tips on how to prevent fungal infections, refer to our Guide to Summertime Foot Care.
•  Blisters – A blister is a liquid filled bubble or pocket on the skin that is usually caused by friction between the skin and another material. Blisters are most commonly the result of shoes that are too tight or improper socks. While a blister will usually heal on its own, if your blister becomes painful or you see signs of an infection, be sure to contact your Weil Foot and Ankle Institute physician. To prevent blisters from occurring:
• Wear shoes that fit properly and offer enough room.
• Wear proper fitting socks.
• Invest in blister prevention patches that you can put in your shoes to decrease friction against your blister prone areas.
•  Corns and Calluses – Corns and calluses are thick layers of skin that form when there is too much pressure or friction to the skin. They can also be caused by deformities like bunions and hammertoes. Corns usually appear on the toes and calluses on the bottoms of the feet. [3] If not addressed, they can become extremely uncomfortable. To prevent corns and calluses, 
• Wear comfortable shoes that fit properly.
• Regular pedicures will also help to slough off dead skin that accumulates over time.
• The Weil Foot and Ankle Institute offers corn and callus pads to alleviate some of the discomfort that may arise.
• Because there are many different products on the market and different procedures used to treat corns and calluses, be sure to talk to your Weil Foot and Ankle physician, who will suggest the most appropriate products and line of treatment for your individual case.
•  Ingrown Nails – An ingrown nail, as we mentioned in Dr. Klein’s May post, is “a toenail that has curved in at the medial and lateral sides of the nail. It digs into and can cause a break in the skin.” This break in the skin is susceptible to infection. Ingrown toenails can be the result of wearing poorly fitting shoes, but are usually the result of improper cutting of the toenail. Teenagers/young adults and older men and women are most at risk for ingrown toenails, and men are usually affected more than women.[4] Symptoms of an ingrown toenail include pain, tenderness, swelling and redness around the area. An infected ingrown toenail may also ooze pus.[5]
• If you have symptoms of an ingrown toenail, see your Weil Foot and Ankle physician.
• As mentioned in Dr. Klein’s post, physicians can usually take care of ingrown and even infected ingrown toenails relatively easily with either trimming or debridement in the office, or a small in-office procedure.
•  Gout – Gout is a form of arthritis that occurs when there is excess uric acid in the body. Gout is nine times more prevalent in men than it is in women.[6] People with gout suffer from gout attacks, which usually occur at night and in the big toe first. The symptoms of gout or a gout attack are: pain, swelling, warmth and stiffness in the toe joint.[7]
• If you have symptoms of gout, be sure to see one of our podiatrists here at the Weil Foot and Ankle Institute so that you can be properly diagnosed.
• After you have been diagnosed, your Weil Foot and Ankle physician can provide you with anti-inflammatory medication that will help alleviate your symptoms.
• If symptoms continue, consult your podiatrist and your primary care physician for information about further treatment options such as additional medication and possible surgery.

In honor of Men’s Health Month and Father’s Day, be sure to take special interest in your health this month and all the months to come. Schedule appointments with your doctors and get all of the necessary tests and screenings. Become aware of your health status. If you suffer from any of the foot ailments that are listed here, be sure to make an appointment so that one of our physicians can help you address the issue.

Looking for a great Father’s Day gift? Here a few health-related gifts that I am sure your dad would love whether or not he suffers from any of the above ailments.

Health related gifts:

 Athletic/ Walking Shoes – Does your dad do a lot of walking or working out? Get him a pair of athletic or training shoes to keep him supported during his activity.

•  Men's Athletic Tie-Less Lace Closure White Mesh
•   Men's White Strap-N-Lace Leather Athletic Shoes

Custom made inserts

•   Call today and request and appointment to have your dad fitted for our custom made inserts.

Sandals – The summer is here and dad could probably use a pair of new sandals. Give him comfort and support with this option.

• Vasyli Malibu Sandals For Men - Healthy & Stylish Sandals
• Men's Fisherman Leather Sandals-Light Brown

Shoes – How many of your fathers are like mine and buys a new pair of shoes only when his old ones are completely broken down? Do him a favor, throw those old ones away and buy him a new pair!

•  Orthofeet Men's Leather Lace - Brown
•  Orthofeet Men's Leather Strap - Black

If you don’t want to get any foot related gifts, Dr. Weil has given a list of good gifts your dad may like! (Hint, hint if any of his kids are reading this ;))

Dr. Weil’s Father’s Day Gift Guide!

• Gift certificate for a clothing store—ex: Nordstrom. Contrary to popular belief, men do like to shop too…sometimes.
• Golf balls: You can never have enough golf balls. They always seem to disappear...
• Grilling stuff: Men like to cook with fire. It brings out the caveman in all of us.
•  Personalized gifts from the kids: Anything that kids make themselves is always special for dads.

I think everyone knows that when compared to Mother’s Day, Father’s Day can be a little underwhelming. Let’s not make that the case this Father’s Day. Let’s show our dads how much we really appreciate them by making this Father’s Day really special. Have fun celebrating with your families!

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[1] http://www.menshealthmonth.org/

[2] http://www.webmd.boots.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tc/athletes-foot-how-common-is-it

[3] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002212/

[4] http://www.emedicinehealth.com/ingrown_toenails/article_em.htm

[5] http://www.weil4feet.com/common_ingrown_toenail.html

[6] http://www.weil4feet.com/common_gout.html

[7] http://www.weil4feet.com/common_gout.html

Save Your Soles: A Guide to Foot Pain

Treat your feet right and they'll return the favor. Our experts reveal ways to kick the bad habits that can lead to serious foot pain.

By Dorothy Foltz-Gray

Preventing and Soothing Problems

Maybe you were born with problem feet -- feet that turn in or out, arches that are too high or too low. Or you're dealing with foot pain that's self-inflicted, caused by tight shoes or high heels. Whatever the cause, foot pain is overwhelmingly a female problem: Experts say that 80 percent of foot surgery is performed on women. Foot doctors frown on teetery slingbacks, backless sandals and sky-high heels -- a disappointment for anyone who's ever coveted sexy stilettos or loves to lounge in flip-flops. If a shoe isn't supportive or fits poorly , say podiatrists, it's best not to wear it. Easier said than done, we know, but to avoid developing a foot problem or making one you already have worse, resist heels higher than 2 inches -- at least most of the time -- and tight squeezes (there should be about half an inch of space between your longest toe and the tip of the shoe).

"Try several sizes whenever you buy shoes," says Leslie Campbell, DPM, a foot and ankle surgeon at Presbyterian Hospital, in Allen, Texas. "Feet can change a half size in length, and also in width, at any time during adulthood -- from age, weight gain or loss, or pregnancy. And buy in the afternoon when feet tend to be the most swollen." Even if your feet mostly feel fine, our guide will help you pinpoint potential problem areas so you can stop bad habits that could lead to future foot trouble. If it's too late for preventive measures, you'll find the latest ways to soothe sore toes, heels, and soles

Pain Problem: Achilles Tendinitis

What It Is: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon (heel cord), causing pain and swelling at the back of your heel and ankle.

Cause: Some people are born with shortened muscles and tendons. But many women get what's called adaptive Achilles tendinitis by wearing high heels all day long -- which shortens those muscles and tendons -- and then going barefoot at night, making them suddenly lengthen. "Such shifts stress the Achilles tendon, which leads to inflammation," says Dr. Campbell.

Foot Fix: A heel insert can lift and cushion your heel, relieving tension on the tendon. An ice pack several times a day and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen can help reduce swelling. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy, which uses sound waves, may help. And try this stretch several times a day: Stand with both feet on the same staircase step, holding the banister. Let one heel drop below step edge; hold for 30 seconds. Do on other foot. Repeat three to four times.

Pain Problem: Plantar Fasciitis

What It Is: An inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tough band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot between the heel bone and the base of your toes. It's one of the most common causes of foot pain and can make you feel as if you're walking on a knife, especially in the morning (the fascia tightens overnight).

Cause: Feet over-pronate, stressing the plantar fasciae. Open-backed or flimsy shoes can strain the area. So can weight gain, which may thin the fat pad beneath the heel, flattening the arch and straining the bottom of the foot. Dancers, runners, and people who stand a lot often develop this problem.

Foot Fix: Add cushioned insoles or heel pads to supportive shoes with a 1- to 2-inch heel or use custom-made orthotics. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, and cortisone injections may also help. Other approaches your doctor may suggest include extracorporeal shock wave therapy. There's also radiofrequency therapy -- electrical signals are sent through a probe inserted through small punctures in the heel area -- which is more likely to be covered by insurance, says Chicago-area podiatric surgeon Lowell Weil, Jr., DPM. Another option is surgery on the fascia itself. Stretching in the morning, evening, and before exercise also helps. Try this: Stand arm's length from a wall, one foot behind the other, legs straight, heels on the floor. Place your hands on the wall and lean in, stretching the calf muscles. Do 10 repetitions; switch legs and repeat.

Pain Problem: Corns and Calluses

What They Are: Corns are balls of thickened skin, usually on the tops, sides, or tips of your toes; calluses are rough, thickened patches of skin on the heels and soles of the feet.

Cause: When your shoes pinch and press on your feet, your skin reacts to the friction and pressure by getting thicker.

Foot Fix: A podiatrist can shave the dead cells from the corns and calluses and prescribe an exfoliating cream. You can also reduce skin buildup by rubbing a corn or callus daily with a pumice stone or using a foot file. Silicone pads sold in drugstores protect the areas from pressure. Acid-based corn and callus removers do work, but Dr. Campbell points out they may burn your skin.

Pain Problem: Neuroma

What It Is: A benign growth, usually between the third and fourth toes, that pinches your nerves -- causing swelling and pain between the toes and a burning sensation in the ball of your foot.

Cause: When the foot's long bones are unusually mobile and the heads of these bones lie close together at the base of the toes, they may squeeze the nerve, creating a benign growth. Both wearing high-heeled pointed-toe shoes and going barefoot can aggravate the condition.

Foot Fix: Injections of cortisone, over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatory pills, orthotics, and stable, roomy low-heeled shoes can all help. Or your doctor may remove the growth or use cryotreatment (a cold probe that inactivates the nerve) or surgery that releases the ligament that's compressing the nerve.

Pain Problem: Athlete's Foot and Toenail Infections

What They Are: Fungal infections of the skin or nail bed. Athlete's foot can make the skin between the toes itchy and blistered. Fungal toenail infections (nails turn thick, yellow, and brittle) are more unsightly than uncomfortable.

Cause: "Fungi are everywhere," says Deerfield Beach, Florida, podiatrist Cary M. Zinkin, DPM. Going sockless in closed shoes or barefoot at the gym ups your chance of getting a fungal infection. So does having a pedicure with unsterilized instruments.

Foot Fix: For athlete's foot, your doctor may prescribe antifungal cream. For fungal toenails, she may prescribe a paint-on medication or three months of Lamisil pills, unless you have liver or kidney problems. Also ask about Vicks VapoRub-type products. "To avoid infections, keep your feet dry and clean," says Dr. Zinkin. "Dry between your toes after you shower and then use a foot powder." Wear clean cotton socks -- not nylon socks or tights -- to make feet less welcoming to fungi. And if you get pedicures, be sure both the instruments used and the footbath you soak in have been sterilized.

Pain Problem: Hammertoes

What It Is: A condition in which one or more toes become so bent at the joint that it can look like an upside-down V. Hammertoes also cause swelling and corns -- thickened skin -- on the top of the toes, which can restrict the joint's movement.

Cause: Heredity -- but also high heels, says Dr. Campbell. "More than half of my female patients have hammertoes." Wearing unstable shoes, such as stilettos and flip-flops, can contribute to the problem by providing so little support for your foot that you bend your toes when you walk, grabbing the shoe bed for balance. Eventually you may be unable to straighten one or more of your toes.

Foot Fix: Although only surgery can straighten bent toes, there are ways to ease the pain and keep hammertoes from becoming worse. Your doctor can shave the corns and prescribe exfoliating cream to help normal skin resurface. She may prescribe an orthotic to stabilize your foot and will certainly tell you to trade your high heels for low-heeled shoes that will keep your feet from wobbling. You can also buy over-the-counter silicone pads that slip between or over the toes to reduce friction and pressure from your shoes. And try using an ice pack to reduce painful inflammation of the toes, which should help make your shoes fit better.

Originally published in Ladies' Home Journal, June 2009.