While many foot and ankle conditions affect everyone, men often encounter specific issues or experience common foot problems for distinct reasons, largely influenced by lifestyle, footwear, and physiological differences. But why? After reading this article by us at Podiatry Center of New Jersey, you’ll have a better understanding of prevalent men’s foot health challenges and how they come to experience them.
Athlete’s Foot and Nail Fungus
According to research, men tend to be more susceptible to athlete’s foot. Their vulnerability often stems from wearing closed-toe shoes for longer periods (particularly in athletic settings or demanding work environments where feet remain warm and damp).
Men’s sweaty feet, combined with the lack of proper ventilation in many traditional men’s shoes, create an ideal breeding ground for fungi. They might also be less diligent about changing socks frequently or wearing shower shoes in communal locker rooms.
Ankle Sprains and Fractures
Men also tend to participate more frequently in high-impact sports, contact sports, and strenuous recreational activities throughout adulthood. This inherently elevates their risk for traumatic injuries like ankle sprains and fractures.
Quick pivots in basketball, tackles in football, or falls during hiking can place immense stress on the ankle joint and cause ligament tears or bone breaks. While women also participate in sports, the sheer volume and type of high-velocity activities often favored by men can lead to a higher incidence of these acute injuries.
Gout
Gout is a painful form of inflammatory arthritis that disproportionately affects men, particularly as they age. This is primarily due to men having naturally higher uric acid levels than women.
Lifestyle factors common among men, such as diets rich in purines (found in red meat, seafood) and higher alcohol consumption (especially beer), can further elevate uric acid levels that directly trigger gout attacks in the big toe.
Plantar Fasciitis
While plantar fasciitis affects both sexes, the way men often acquire it can differ. Beyond common culprits like unsupportive footwear, men may develop it due to a sudden increase in activity after a period of being sedentary.
Obesity, recklessness, and less care for wearing supportive footwear compared to women can also contribute to arch strain and inflammation. Men are also reluctant to seek early treatment, which can also lead to more chronic and severe cases.
Ingrown Toenails
Men are generally more prone to ingrown toenails than women. This is largely attributed to improper nail trimming techniques – often cutting nails too short or rounding the corners – and wearing tighter or more rigid shoes that cramp the toes.
Men’s toenails tend to be thicker and more curved naturally, which can predispose them to this painful condition when combined with incorrect trimming or footwear.
If you have more questions about foot care or want to address specific concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to the expert team at Podiatry Center of New Jersey! Give us a call at (973) 925-4111 or make an appointment online.
