OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Foot Issues Encountered by a 47-Year-Old Male

7/14/2025, 5:10:41 AMMale25-34

I’m a 47-year-old male, standing at 6'1" and weighing 320 pounds, living with well-managed type 2 diabetes. My job requires me to be on my feet all day in retail. My footwear initially featured memory foam, but it has started to wear out, leading to inadequate support. Afterward, I added some insoles, which I suspect raised the height too much, resulting in my foot rubbing against the shoe's top. Up until recently, this issue hadn't bothered me; however, a few days ago, I developed a painful sore, possibly due to friction, on my right foot. After showering, I cleaned the abrasion and applied a bandaid before slipping on fresh socks and heading to bed. The following day, I managed to find some Neosporin with pain relief, which I applied as well. Fortunately, there seems to be a bit of improvement, but now I'm noticing a similar irritation forming on my left foot, although it hasn’t reached a painful level yet. Today, on my day off, I opted to stay in socks to avoid making the situation worse. When I did venture out for an hour, I removed the insoles, which seemed to provide some relief. I have a new pair of shoes arriving on Tuesday, but until then, I have to endure a 6-hour shift with my current shoes, which lack adequate cushioning. Regardless, I’d rather experience discomfort from standing than escalate the issues on my feet further.

NutritionAgingFamily Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

7/14/2025, 5:10:55 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you’re dealing with foot irritation and a sore that has developed due to friction from your shoes. It's great to hear that you're already taking steps to manage the wound. Let's focus on how you can alleviate discomfort and prevent further issues until your new shoes arrive.

Key Points:

  • Foot sores can develop from friction, especially with ill-fitting shoes.
  • It's important to monitor the sore for signs of infection and take steps to manage irritation.

Understanding the Situation:

Friction from shoes can lead to blisters or sores, especially if your shoes lack proper cushioning and support. Given your job requires prolonged standing, it’s imperative to protect your feet while waiting for your new shoes. Managing your blood sugar levels is also crucial, as diabetes can impact wound healing and increase the risk of infections.

Next Steps:

  1. Choose the Right Socks: Opt for moisture-wicking, padded socks that can help reduce friction. Avoid cotton socks, as they trap moisture.

  2. Foot Care:

    • Keep the sore clean and covered. You may continue applying Neosporin if you don’t have an allergy.
    • Avoid tight footwear and give your feet as much open time as possible when you're at home. This will help with any pressure and allow them to breathe.
  3. Modify Footwear: Since your current shoes are causing issues:

    • Only wear your current shoes when necessary for work, and keep a close eye on how your foot feels during your shifts.
    • If you can, look for temporary cushioning solutions (like thicker pads that can be placed strategically) to help with the impact during your shift.
  4. Monitor Symptoms: Keep observing your foot's condition. If the sore worsens with redness, swelling, or increased pain, take that seriously as it could indicate infection.

  5. Rest Your Feet: If possible, during your shifts, take brief seated breaks to relieve pressure on your feet.

  6. Avoid Further Irritation: If you experience discomfort during your shift, consider adjusting how you stand (shift weight, find a comfortable posture) and take short breaks to ease pressure.

Your new shoes should provide better cushioning and support, which can make a significant difference. Manage these irritations carefully, and prioritize your foot health to avoid complications, especially given your diabetes. If issues persist, consider reaching out for further assistance once you have more symptoms. I’m here if you need more guidance!

Related Questions

Is an 85-pound Weight Healthy for a Woman Who is 5’1"?

A friend of mine stands at 5 feet 1 inch tall and has a delicate frame, tipping the scales at 85 pounds. At first glance, her weight seemed surprisingly low, but I realized she doesn’t appear overly thin. Naturally, I became a bit worried as I believed her weight might be below the healthy range; however, she insists that she feels perfectly fine. She maintains an active lifestyle, exercising regularly and following a nutritious diet, yet she doesn't overindulge. This leaves me pondering whether her health is indeed in check.

Weight ManagementNutritionExercise
Male25-34
27 minutes ago

Interpretation Request for Recent Spinal NM Bone Scan

Hello, doctors. I'm reaching out for your insights regarding a recent NM bone scan of my spine. I've previously undergone a similar scan in 2022, and I'd like to compare the two. To provide context, I am a 29-year-old female weighing 100 kg, and I've been diagnosed with conditions including endplate sclerosis, spinal stenosis, cervical bone spurs, degenerative disc disease (DDD), and mild scoliosis. My medication regimen consists of several prescriptions. Unfortunately, my next appointment with my general practitioner is still a few weeks away, so I would appreciate your assessments on how the latest scan compares to the previous one. Thank you in advance for your help!

AgingWellnessFamily Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Unexpected Eye Issues: Headache and Double Vision Concerns

A 33-year-old female, measuring 1.67 meters in height and weighing 55 kilograms, residing in the Netherlands, experienced a sudden onset of symptoms. Last evening, shortly after dinner, my partner complained of a slight headache localized at the rear of her head. Along with this discomfort, she encountered double vision and noticed her right eye deviating outward. Interestingly, when she shut either eye, the double vision resolved, enabling her to see without distortion. We rushed her to the emergency room later that night. The medical team conducted a variety of assessments, including physical examinations, neurological evaluations, visual tests, and laboratory analyses. Fortunately, all results were normal. However, the doctors found it peculiar that her right eye exhibited normal movement and accurately tracked a pen in all directions when her left eye was closed. The medical opinion suggested that it may be a migraine-related episode, a condition she has experienced previously. Nonetheless, she insists that this feels unlike any migraine she has had in the past. A teleconsultation with a neurologist is scheduled for Monday to arrange an MRI should the symptoms continue. The doctors advised that if her symptoms worsen, we should return to the hospital immediately. Fortunately, after a night's rest, her vision had returned to normal by morning, the headache had subsided, and her right eye was aligned properly. I am understandably concerned, particularly due to her assertion that this does not resemble a typical migraine. Is it possible that this is indeed a migraine, or could it be indicative of another underlying issue? Thank you for your attention to this matter.

AgingWellnessPreventive Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Unusual Wave Patterns in ECG: Potential Artifacts in Lead V6

Upon examining the ECG readings, I've noticed peculiar double wave formations appearing between the QRS complex and the T wave in lead V6. This is new to me, as I have never encountered such patterns before. Could these be classified as artifacts?

Family MedicineInternal MedicinePreventive Medicine
Male25-34
2 hours ago

Unexplained Bruises on My Right Hand – Seeking Advice

I've noticed some unusual bruising on my right hand over the past month. Strangely enough, they don't hurt at all. Should I be concerned about this? It's quite puzzling to see these random marks without any apparent cause.

WellnessFamily MedicinePreventive Medicine
Male25-34
3 hours ago