Popular sandals causing foot problems in men?

Wrong sandal can cause heel pain, Achilles tendonitis, other ailments

Footwear has come a long way since Roman armies conquered an empire wearing only sandals on their feet. But what’s old is new again. Recent market research reveals sales of men’s sandals jumped 20 percent between 2005 and 2007.

Along with the growing popularity of men’s sandals come more aches and pains for male feet. Thomas Carr, DPM, a foot and ankle surgeon with offices in Chicago, says the wrong sandal could cause men problems including heel pain, Achilles tendonitis, pain in the big toe and even breaks and stress fractures in some of the foot’s 26 bones.

Dr. Carr recommends men shopping for a man sandal – or “mandal” as some people call it – look for a sturdy, cushioned, supportive sole and padded straps. Men with diabetes should consult their foot and ankle surgeon before wearing sandals.

Despite what many men may tell themselves, foot pain is not normal. Contact Dr. Carr’s office at 312-337-9900 to have your painful foot checked out by a surgeon who is educated, trained and experienced in treating foot and ankle conditions. Dr. Carr belongs to the 6,000 member American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), a national medical association of foot and ankle surgeons.