It’s summer and you’re thinking of all the ways you can make the most of your time in the sun. With everything you have going on, the last thing you want to worry about is your feet. But, your feet need special attention this summer to stay healthy.

It’s summer and you’re thinking of all the ways you can make the most of your time in the sun. With everything you have going on, the last thing you want to worry about is your feet. But, your feet need special attention this summer to stay healthy.

At Michfoot Surgeons PC, we see a spike in foot problems during the summer. That’s why we decided to share some of our best tips for protecting your feet.

Here are a few ways to keep your feet healthy during these warm summer months:

Don’t give up on supportive footwear

We know you don’t want to cover your feet when it’s hot outside, but don’t give up on footwear that provides support. You might want to switch it up and wear flip-flops this summer, but that could cause painful symptoms. For example, heel pain and plantar fasciitis. We see these symptoms a lot during the summer and they’re usually unavoidable.

Here are a few tips for baring your feet without suffering foot and leg pain:

  • Choose sandals with straps that secure your feet
  • Buy orthotic sandals
  • Stick with low heels
  • Look for sandals with padding for the ball of your foot

Be sure to wear supportive shoes when you engage in summertime activities like biking, hiking, baseball, and tennis.

Take activities slow and easy

Don’t forget to protect your feet while you’re running outside or exercising indoors. Sprains, cuts, and even fractures occur in the summertime when our patients suddenly boost their activity level. Instead of going from 0 to 100, gradually increase your routine so you don’t put excessive stress on your ankles and feet. It’s also a good idea to wear the proper shoes for your sport, no matter how warm it is outside.

Protect your feet from the sun

Whether you’re walking on the boardwalk or playing beach volleyball, don’t forget how susceptible your feet are to sunburns.

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays. Choose an SPF of 30 or higher and apply sunscreen to the top of your feet every two hours while they’re exposed to the sun.

If you’re laying down sunbathing, add sunscreen to the bottom of your feet too. Nothing is more painful than a sunburn on your soles!

Beware of athlete’s foot and other unwanted infections

Walking around barefoot at the pool, beach, and park, is the best way to pick up the fungus that causes athlete’s foot and ringworm.

Going without shoes also increases the odds you’ll end up with plantar warts, which are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

If you develop a scaly, red, itchy rash between your toes or anywhere on your feet, or you notice small growths on the bottom of your feet, schedule an appointment to get the best treatment. In the meantime, don’t go barefoot because you can spread these contagious problems to others.

Protect against dry skin and calluses

Dry skin and calluses worsen in the summertime heat due to the constant irritation of floppy footwear. The best way to keep your feet smooth and hydrated is by:

  • Exfoliating using a foot scrub or brush
  • Soaking your feet in warm water
  • Removing dry skin and calluses with a pumice stone or metal foot file
  • Moisturizing your feet after exfoliating or removing dry skin

It’s important to routinely remove dry skin and calluses to prevent them from thickening and cracking open.

Special summertime foot care tips for patients with diabetes

If you have diabetes, we hope you’re in the habit of practicing daily diabetic foot care. Here are a few extra tips for the summertime:

Avoid going barefoot

If you have diabetic neuropathy, don’t go barefoot anywhere; not on the beach or in the water.

Be careful in the water

Enjoy the water if your feet are free of wounds. But, don’t forget to wear water shoes to protect them from cuts or scrapes while you’re swimming.

All bodies of water harbor bacteria that can get through a wound and cause an infection. If you have cracks, cuts, or blisters on your feet, avoid the water.

If you have questions or concerns about your feet over the summer, we can help. Contact our office here to schedule an appointment today!