Summertime Tips to Keep Your Feet Healthy
Jul 26, 2019
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:
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:
Be sure to wear supportive shoes when you engage in summertime activities like biking, hiking, baseball, and tennis.
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.
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!
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.
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:
It’s important to routinely remove dry skin and calluses to prevent them from thickening and cracking open.
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:
If you have diabetic neuropathy, don’t go barefoot anywhere; not on the beach or 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!