This Movember, Let’s Support Men’s Foot Health

Welcome to Movember, the name that reminds guys to grow out their mustaches to raise awareness of men’s health issues. In previous years, that focus has fallen to critical concerns like prostate and testicular cancer. But this year, our Marietta podiatrist wants to add one more issue to the list: men’s foot health.

Often, you’ll hear that women are more vulnerable to foot pain. And that’s because wearing high heeled shoes, and big life transitions such as pregnancy and menopause, can have a major effect on your feet. But that doesn’t mean men don’t have to worry about their foot health, too. So, to help them walk comfortably for years to come, this post highlights some of the best ways we can support men’s foot health—in Movember, and all year long.

Key Takeaways

• In November, many men grow out their mustaches to raise awareness of male health issues, earning it the name ‘Movember’
• When it comes to foot health, men have a higher risk for gout, foot fractures and athlete’s foot infections
• Encouraging men to seek prompt medical attention when concerns arise is the best way to protect their long-term health

Why Movember Should be Men’s Foot Health Month

Some risks for foot pain affect everyone equally: if you spend hours walking around in unsupportive shoes, your feet are probably going to hurt at the end of the day. But some foot health concerns are more specific to our male readers. And those are the ones we’re going to discuss today.

1. Athlete’s foot infections.

Men and women, athletes and non-athletes—anyone can develop this fungal foot infection. So why is it an issue to discuss in Movember? Here’s the story: when the trend is in style, many men like to wear closed-up dress shoes without socks. Unfortunately, that sartorial decision dramatically increases the risk for athlete’s foot infection.

Why is that the case? Men’s dress shoes are closed, and cover most of the foot, creating a warm environment. Often, that environment makes the feet sweaty. And when the sweat comes, it gets absorbed by the shoe’s material, adding moisture to the mix, and creating perfect conditions for fungus to thrive.

Even worse? Unlike women, men tend to wear the same shoes each day. As a result, the shoes don’t have enough time to dry out, putting men at higher risk for infection.

2. Foot fractures.

Do you ask the man in your life to help with heavy lifting? Whether you know it or not, this puts him at higher risk for foot fractures. While men who work with heavy objects are told to wear protective foot gear like reinforced boots, the ones who help at home don’t follow that same precaution. So, if they’re moving a heavy box, and it falls from their hands and onto their feet or toes, the risk of sustaining a broken foot is instantly elevated.

3. Gout flares.

   
   Gout is a form of arthritis that comes and goes. Flares show up when the uric acid levels in your blood are highly concentrated, and leave you with a red, swollen big toe that’s extremely tender to the touch.  Often, the concentration of uric acid rises due to triggers from your diet, especially if you eat a lot of red meats and drink beer or other alcoholic beverages. Especially in Movember—which coincides with football season—these two gout triggers are on the menu for many of our male readers.

Protecting Men’s Foot Health, in Movember and Beyond

Now that you know the risks facing men’s feet, let’s talk about one more concern our boys have to overcome: pushing through the pain. For some silly reason, too many men avoid seeing doctors when health problems arise, thinking that masculinity requires pushing through the pain.

Unfortunately, ignoring a problem usually doesn’t make it go away. And when it comes to your health? Doing so can result in worsening pain, and additional complications.

So, what’s the best way to support men’s health in Movember? Whether his back, knees or feet hurt, tell the man in your life to get to the doctor for a comprehensive exam. From prostate problems to foot concerns such as plantar fasciitis, early diagnosis and treatment result in better health outcomes for everyone. And that’s why we encourage you to contact Dr. Alvin Cowans to request an appointment—for yourself or the man you love—at the first sign of foot or heel pain. Coming to our podiatry practice in Powder Springs today will allow you to comfortably enjoy your favorite activities tomorrow, and every day afterward.