Foot problems affect pretty much all of us, and can be extremely irritating. The smallest injury or problem can seriously limit our abilities, as even walking becomes a painful exercise. Although foot problems can affect all of us, different problems tend to affect men and women. In this article, we will look at some of the most common foot problems in men, and how you can prevent being affected by them.
Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails may seem like a small problem, but anyone who has ever had one can attest to the fact that they cause serious pain with every step. Furthermore, ingrown toenails are a big infection risk, as they create wounds in a dirty, enclosed space. Men are far more likely to suffer from ingrown toenails than women, as men tend to spend far less time taking care of their feet. Good footcare is actually the best way to tackle this problem, especially if it is a recurring problem, which ingrown toenails usually are. The best way to prevent ingrown toenails is to cut the nails regularly, not too short, and in a straight line. Although you may be inclined to mimic the curve of the toe when cutting, this allows the nail to grow into the skin.
Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is caused by a fungus known as dermatophyte, which is also responsible for certain types of skin infections, such as ringworm and athlete’s foot. It is often caused by poor hygiene or swimming. The good news is that, unless you have an underlying medical condition, it’s usually harmless. Unfortunately, treating it is a slow process.
The first thing you should do if you believe you have toenail fungus is visit a doctor. Toenail psoriasis is often mistaken as a toenail fungus, so you may not have a fungal infection at all. Most over the counter remedies won’t work anyway, so you will most likely end up on a few months of creams and pills. While it will take a while, it’s not a difficult process.
Achilles Tendon
It should come as no great surprise that the Achilles tendon is susceptible to damage but unfortunately, it’s not something people pay much attention to. The Achilles tendon can become overused and affected by problems like tendonitis without people even knowing it’s happening. The main reason for problems in the Achilles tendon is people putting it through repetitive motions. This is common in men who visit the gym, especially newcomers, and repeat the same exercises in the same way, over and over. The best way to prevent any damage being done to the Achilles tendon is to make sure that you vary your routines and motions. This not only applies to the gym, but any activities that may require you to carry out repetitive motions, such as climbing a ladder or lifting heavy objects at work.