June is Men’s Health Awareness Month, and for a lot of men, that means it’s time to focus on foot care. Hygiene issues, work boot worries, and the complications of athletic activity mean you’ve got plenty to watch for, but we want to help. For this blog, Advanced Foot Care of NJ will be detailing some of the most common conditions men bring to our offices, followed by tips for prevention and management!

The Daily Grind: How Demanding Jobs Affect Your Feet

Long hours standing, walking on hard surfaces, and wearing protective footwear contribute to various foot issues, including:

Calluses & Corns: Your Skin’s Defense

Constant pressure and friction from boots cause skin to thicken into painful calluses (soles/sides) and corns (on/between toes). While protective, they can become very uncomfortable.

Ingrown Toenails: Trapped Nail Agony

Steel-toed or tight-fitting boots can pressure toenails, causing them to grow into the skin – a painful issue with potentially serious complications, especially for those who struggle with diabetes.

Fungal Infections: The Sweaty Boot Problem

Work boots create a warm, moist environment ideal for fungus, leading to itchy athlete’s foot or unsightly fungal nails.

Heel Pain & Overload Issues

Prolonged standing on hard surfaces, heavy lifting, or poor boot mechanics can strain the plantar fascia (heel pain) or Achilles tendon (back of heel pain).

Smart Strategies for Working Feet

Foot pain isn’t just “part of the job.” Be sure to…

Get measured. Foot size can change; get measured for work boots.
Ensure ample toe box space for toes to wiggle.
Choose support & cushioning. Look for arch reinforcement and shock absorption.
Wear moisture-wicking socks (merino wool/synthetics) to keep feet drier and reduce fungal risk. Change them if your feet get very sweaty!
Wash and dry your feet daily, especially between the toes.
Inspect feet for cuts, blisters, redness, or nail changes.
Don’t “tough it out.” Persistent pain signals a problem!

When to See a Podiatrist

While good habits help, see a podiatrist if you have:

Persistent pain despite rest or better footwear.
Signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus) with an ingrown toenail or skin lesion.
Toenail changes suggesting fungus.
Chronic heel or arch pain.
Difficulty finding comfortable work boots due to existing conditions like bunions.

Real Men Take Care of Their Feet!

Don’t “walk it off” or let preventable foot problems sideline you! Instead, come see us for custom orthotics or non-invasive laser treatments that can clear infections and manage chronic pain. We’re ready when you are!

At Advanced Foot Care of NJ, LLC, our doctor and staff proudly serve the communities of Little Falls, Cedar Grove, Verona, Stoney Road, Sandy Hill, Albion Place, and Great Notch. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!