Foot Issues Encountered by a 47-Year-Old Male
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.
Answers (1)
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:
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Choose the Right Socks: Opt for moisture-wicking, padded socks that can help reduce friction. Avoid cotton socks, as they trap moisture.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Rest Your Feet: If possible, during your shifts, take brief seated breaks to relieve pressure on your feet.
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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!
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