What Are the Leading Causes of Foot Pain in Men?

Foot pain is not just a problem for older men. It can happen at any age, but aging does increase your dad’s risk of dealing with pain. His feet have handled decades of walking, running, jumping, and standing still. Over time, the strain adds up and causes discomfort and changes your dad’s mobility.

Some causes of foot pain are easy to fix. Taking your dad to a shoe store that does professional fittings is one way to end foot pain. If his shoes fit correctly, they won’t rub or pinch. That’s just one issue, however. Here are the leading causes of pain and what you and your dad should do to end it.

Pinched Nerve

Pinched nerves are painful, and they can happen in the feet. When there’s a pinched nerve, your dad experiences pain. That pain is on the ball of his foot or the third and fourth toes.

It happens when shoes crowd the toes regularly. It also occurs when the feet experience excessive stress. If your dad’s job had him standing on his feet all of the time, a pinched nerve is more likely. Pain relievers and foot exercises help.

Plantar Fasciitis

The tissue that runs from your heel to the ball of the foot is known as the plantar fascia. It can become inflamed. That inflammation causes sharp pain on the bottom of the foot.

What causes it? While plantar fasciitis is common in athletes, it also occurs if you regularly wear shoes that don’t allow the toes to spread out. It needs to be addressed before it progresses into plantar fasciosis, where the tissue deteriorates.

He should see a podiatrist to discuss his foot pain. If it’s his shoes, the foot specialist can help him better understand what to look for when buying shoes. Massages, ice packs, and pain relievers help with the pain and inflammation.

Toe Pain

Pain in the big toe is pretty common and has several possible causes. If your dad has a bunion, which is a bump on the side of the big toe joint, it’s often due to poorly fitting shoes. Bunions can also be part of your dad’s family health history.

If the pain is severe and the toe seems swollen, he could have a type of arthritis called gout. Gout occurs when uric acid crystals build up in the joint. He should talk to his doctor about treatment options. Diet is one of the primary treatment plans. He needs to stop consuming red meat, shellfish, and alcohol.

Keep Your Dad Active

Once your dad has shoes that fit well and support his foot, make sure he’s active. Exercising his feet each day helps strengthen the ligaments and muscles.

He may need encouragement to stay active. Companionship from an elderly care aide is one way to get your dad up and active. Talk to an elderly care specialist to find prices in your area.

If you or an aging loved-one is considering Elderly Care in Lodi, CA please contact the caring staff at Aging Assistant today. (916) 897-4752