Foot and ankle issues is mistakenly associated most often with women than men. This may be due to the higher likelihood of women worrying about the aesthetic appearance of their feet (i.e., wanting to get rid of bunions, corns, and calluses) or the higher risk of developing conditions due to poor footwear.
Regardless, men are just as likely to experience foot and ankle issues, such as pain, as women. This is why it is important for both men and women to see podiatrists on a regular basis, so that any and all foot and ankle related issues are dealt with quickly and effectively.
Here are some common causes of foot and ankle pain in men.
Overuse
Men, with greater musculature, tend to be more physically active than women. One of the most common causes of foot pain in men is overuse, and an example is Achilles tendonitis. The Achilles tendon – which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and is the longest in the body – may stretch or tear as a result of a sudden increase in the intensity of exercise and sports. Running and jumping can cause Achilles tendonitis, especially if the calf muscles are tight. Pain from Achilles tendonitis is usually felt in the back of the leg and the heel.
Wearing the Wrong Shoes
Men may not wear fashionable shoes such as high heels and pumps, but they are more likely to wear the same shoes across different activities or wear them for too long. This can cause foot and ankle pain, as footwear should always be specific to the activity being done.
A lot of men’s shoes also tend to be tight toward the front. Footwear with a tapered toe box, common in men’s footwear, causes the muscles of the big toe to be pulled unnaturally. Always wear shoes that provide ample room to every part of the foot.
Over time, improper footwear can cause plantar fasciitis, which is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, the soft tissue that connects the toes to the heel bone, and bunions, which are bumps that form at the base of the big toe. Worn-out shoes, which no longer provide support and cushioning, also lead to foot and ankle pain and injuries.
Gout
Gout is a type of arthritis that is characterized by the formation of painful uric acid deposits in joints. Gout tends to affect the big toe joint most often. It can be very painful during an episode and affects more men than women. Obesity, a high-fat diet, excessive consumption of alcohol, and a sedentary lifestyle all put men at greater risk for gout. Attacks are usually experienced around bedtime and cause pain, tenderness, and inflammation. A low-grade fever may also develop during an attack of gout.
Men experiencing foot and ankle pain need customized recommendations on how to treat their foot condition. A podiatrist or a foot and ankle specialist can help identify the underlying cause of your foot and ankle pain and advise you on how to prevent it.
The Best Podiatrists in San Antonio, Boerne, Floresville, Hondo, Kenedy, Live Oak, and Uvalde, Texas
The Podiatry Group of South Texas offers superior podiatry services to patients in all of our 14 locations across South Texas. The specific treatment for your foot and ankle pain will depend on factors that are specific to you, which is why we will perform a comprehensive assessment of your symptoms and do diagnostic testing to ensure an accurate diagnosis is given. Our treatments are personalized to every patient for greater success.
To schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists, call our podiatry clinic nearest you or use our convenient online request form.
