It’s Men’s Health Month: 5 Tips to Keep Feet Healthy

June is Men’s Health Month and the perfect time to nurture awareness regarding things we can do to safeguard men’s health. With the arrival of summer, men are getting outside more to engage in various outdoor activities. Unfortunately, these activities can put a lot of stress on men’s feet. To ensure a healthy summer for you or the men in your life, Dr. Mark Thompson and Dr. Brandon Holloway of Amarillo Foot Specialists in the Amarillo, TX panhandle are sharing 5 tips to keep your feet happy and healthy.

1. If your feet sweat, keep them dry. If your feet sweat in hot weather, bacteria create a breeding ground. To prevent this, dry your feet thoroughly, particularly in between your toes. You can also buy and apply special powder to wick away excess moisture.

2. Keep your feet nourished. Many men don’t use a moisturizer on their feet, but cracked, dry feet can permit bacteria to enter and cause infection. Applying a moisturizer regularly also helps with calluses. But don’t use moisturizer in the area between your toes, as this can lead to athlete’s foot or other infections.

3. Wear comfortable footwear. Your toes should have plenty of wiggle room because too-tight shoes can cause toe deformities or bunions. If you have difficulty finding comfortable footwear, we can prescribe custom orthotics, which are shoe inserts specifically designed to fit the shape of your foot.

4. Apply sunscreen when outdoors. Walking barefoot exposes your feet to the direct sun. When applying sunscreen, many people neglect their feet. The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons warns that skin cancer of the foot is common and should be taken seriously.

5. Change your socks frequently. Damp and dirty socks are a perfect growing environment for fungus and bacteria. This situation can cause foot odor and athlete’s foot, a fungus that causes pain and discomfort.

For more tips or any other foot-related issues, contact the office of Dr. Mark Thompson and Dr. Brandon Holloway of Amarillo Foot Specialists located in Amarillo, TX, at (806) 322-3338 to schedule a consultation.