Sole Therapy

Foot pain isn’t gender-specific and although there’s a lot of attention given to what high heels do to women’s feet, men are just as vulnerable to foot pain. Men tend to ignore the warning signs of foot and ankle problems until they start to inhibit movement and slow them down.

Our feet are under a lot of pressure daily and they need to be cared for, especially if you’re standing all day, work in heavy industry or play regular sport. Our feet become more sensitive as we age, so ensuring they’re healthy is imperative - it’s important for men to know that foot pain is not normal, and that most foot and ankle conditions are more readily treated when diagnosed early on.

Foot conditions commonly experienced by men include:

ANKLE SPRAINS

Sporting and day-to-day activities such as walking on an uneven surface can cause ankle pains and strains in men.

HALLUX RIGIDUS

Hallux rigidus is the stiffening of the big toe joint – it’s a sign of poor big toe and foot function and can lead to Osteoarthritis.

HEEL PAIN/HEEL SPUR (PLANTAR FASCIITIS)

Inflammation of the fibrous connective tissue (fascia) on the bottom of the foot, is most often caused by excessive pronation (rolling in of the foot and ankle) and ill-fitting shoes.

ACHILLES TENDON PAIN

Achilles tendonosis leads to activity-related pain at the back of the heel. It is most common in men who run, play squash or basketball and its incidence increases with age.

ARTHRITIS

The knee is the most common of all the joints to be affected by osteoarthritis. It creates chronic pain in the knee, especially during movement.

PATELLOFEMORAL SYNDROME

Overuse and overexertion injuries leading to a combination of patellar tendon strain, torn cartilage, and a kneecap that’s misaligned can lead to this syndrome.

TORN CARTILAGE

Overexertion or trauma to the knee can tear the menisci. Torn meniscus causes sharp pain in the knee, and it may lock up over time.

A STRAIN OR SPRAIN OF THE KNEE LIGAMENTS OR MUSCLES

Most often caused by a blow to or severe twist of the knee.

TENDONITIS

Activities like running, jumping, cycling, or team sports can cause tendonitis, or inflammation of the tendons, the connective tissue that links muscle to bone

LOWER BACK PAIN

Lower back pain originates in the lumbar or sacral regions of the spine and may imply nerve or muscle irritation or bone lesions.

If you feel as though your feet or knees could be in better shape, visit our website or call and book with a Podiatrist at Sole Therapy – your feet will thank you for it.