FIX MY FOOT

Common Foot and Ankle Injuries That Happen To Men

In an earlier post, we talked about common foot and ankle injuries that happen to women. Now. we’re going to cover the foot and ankle injuries that often occur with men.

(image by myoptumhealth.com)

Men’s feet and ankles take a beating, with jobs that often require long hours standing or walking. Of course, men can also get  from leisure foot and ankle injuries from activities involving running and jumping.

However, men tend to ignore foot and ankle problems until pain starts slowing them down. It’s important for men to know that pain is not normal, and most foot and ankle conditions are easier to fix early on.

Participating in sports activities is a big way for  men can get a sprained ankle. But even day-to-day activities such as walking on an uneven surface or slipping on an icy sidewalk can mean painful stretching or tearing of the ankle ligament. If an old sprain hasn’t completely healed, the ankle may repeatedly get sprained, resulting in chronic ankle instability.

While some foot types of men are more prone to get Hallux Rigidus, painful stiffening of the big toe joint, more than others, it can also be cause by overuse. Golfers may develop it as a result of the motion of the foot during the follow-through of the swing.  Men may have jobs that increase the stress on the big toe, such as those requiring frequent stooping or squatting.

Tendonitis and tendonosis of the Achilles tendon are usually caused by repetitive activity. Participation in athletics can cause this. Last week, we reported on Chauncey Billups who suffered a torn Achilles tendon injury.

However, those men who are less conditioned and participate in athletics only on weekends are also at risk for getting injuries of the Achilles tendon. These problems are also common in men whose work puts stress on their ankles and feet, such as laborers.

Toe and metatarsal fractures, also known as broken toes, are common among men as well. Some people say that “the doctor can’t do anything for a broken bone in the foot.” This is usually not true. In fact, if a fractured toe or metatarsal bone is not treated correctly, serious complications may develop and a man should contact a foot and ankle doctor as soon as possible.

Remember, any type of foot pain is never normal. A foot and ankle doctor can examine your feet and give you the best course of action.

Please call 626-447-2184 (Arcadia) or 310-551-1711 (Century City) to speak to a foot and ankle specialist about your foot and/or ankle needs.