What You Need for Men's Proper Foot and Toenail Care

Unlike women, most men don’t typically pay much attention to their feet until it’s too late. But you can keep your feet attractive and healthy by stocking your medicine cabinet with a few key items. Because June is Men’s Health Month, today Dr. Mark Thompson and Dr. Brandon Holloway of Amarillo Foot Specialists located in the Amarillo, TX panhandle are sharing more information about those items.

Prevention of Blisters and Calluses: Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a senior athlete, you’ve probably been sidelined by painful calluses or blisters on your feet at some point. Poorly fitting shoes that cause chafing are often to blame. So be sure to wear properly fitted shoes and keep bandages on hand to put on your feet at the first sign of any irritation. If you do get corns or calluses, first immerse your feet in water for 10 - 15 minutes to make the skin softer, then gently remove the thick skin using a pumice stone.

Anti-Fungal Powders, Sprays, and Lotion: Some more stubborn cases of athlete’s foot are one of the main reasons men visit their podiatrist. Damp and dark conditions allow the funguses at the root of athlete’s foot to flourish. Simple good foot hygiene is the best way to prevent these infections.

Nail Trimming Knowledge: The main cause of ingrown toenails and hangnails is improper nail trimming. If the toenails are trimmed too short, some of the tissue at the edges or under the nail can be exposed. This condition can be painful and lead to infections. Look for nail clippers that have an arched handle and a cutting jaw that is shaped to follow the natural curvature of nails. You can find them at beauty supply shops and drugstores.

Insoles for Arch Support or Comfort: If you have to stand for long hours, you may get a case of sore feet. Insoles or custom orthotics can make shoes more comfortable. Most OTC brands don’t offer much in the way of arch support, so shop for insoles that have a plastic shell at the bottom, which makes them strong enough to offer real support.

Women and Men: If you are experiencing any issues with your feet, contact the office of Dr. Mark Thompson and Dr. Brandon Holloway of Amarillo Foot Specialists located in the Amarillo, TX panhandle today at (806) 322-3338 to schedule a consultation to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.