Men’s Health Month and Myths
June is Men’s health month and a perfect time to remind you that you need to focus on your health, starting from your feet! Most people, especially men, tend to ignore their feet and any issues they might encounter with foot movement, thinking they will go away with time.
This month, we are busting some common myths and reinforcing the importance of looking after your feet.
Myth # 1: Pain comes and goes away itself.
That is not true. Pain is our body’s way of telling us something is wrong and needs attention. If you are suffering from foot pain, you should check your shoes. See if they support your gait and have sufficient cushioning to relieve stress from pressure areas. Moreover, your shoes should be the correct size. Important elements to look for in shoes include proper grip, stability, and comfort.
Myth # 2: Pain is a sign of aging.
While it is true your bones tend to weaken with age, that does not mean that pain is okay. Sometimes, all you need is RICE (Rest, Ice application, Compression, and Elevation). If you have been on your feet throughout the day, give your feet some time off. Rest and recuperate. If your foot pain persists, consult with your podiatrist right away.
Myth # 3: Podiatrists only treat critical foot health issues.
Podiatrists know and understand how the feet and ankles work. They are the best professionals to guide you in everything pertaining to the foot and ankle. If your feet hurt, call the experts. Don’t wait for the condition to worsen before seeing a podiatrist. Most foot doctors recommend you schedule regular health care visits so you can catch any issues and treat them in time.
Myth # 4: Foot problems cannot be prevented.
Again, that is false! Podiatrists advise that you can prevent most foot-related issues if you look after your feet, examine them regularly and report any changes to your doctor immediately.
Myth # 5: There is no need to buy separate shoes for separate activities.
That is the biggest injustice you can subject your feet to! Shoes are designed for a specific activity and have features that support your feet to carry out that activity properly. For example, running shoes have a flexible sole and a tight grip to protect your feet from sudden impacts. On the other hand, hiking shoes have thicker soles and are made to support your feet on uneven and rocky surfaces.
Take care of your feet, and don’t take your foot health issues lightly. Do not hesitate to contact your podiatrist even if all you require is information or have unanswered questions.
At The Center for Podiatric Care and Sports Medicine, Dr. Jonathan Levy, Dr. Nadia Levy, Dr. Diane Castro, Dr. Josef Geldwert, Dr. Katherine Lai, and Dr. Vera Malezhik treat various conditions such as sports injuries, ankle pain, diabetic wounds, heel pain, ingrown toenails, plantar warts, and neuromas. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, we offer cutting-edge care for patients in Midtown East and Manhattan. We continue to provide telemedicine appointments. Contact our office at (212) 980-6487. Our office is 120 E 56th Street, Suite 1150, New York, NY 10022.
