7 Ways To Care For Your Feet During The Summer

Summer is here, and while the warmer weather and longer daylight hours can be enjoyable, summer can also be a hard time for your feet. That’s not to say you should stay inside and avoid potential foot health hazards, but you should be mindful of some of the ways that summer can pose some issues for your feet. With that in mind, we wanted to share some tips for keeping your feet healthy and injury free this summer.

Seven Tips For Protecting Your Feet This Summer

Here’s a look at some direct and indirect ways you can help to protect your feet and ankles during the warm summer months.

1. Wear The Right Shoe For The Job - Summer is a popular time to wear sandals, which are a lightweight and breathable footwear option, but you need to make sure you match your shoe choice to the activity. If you’ll be doing a lot of walking, especially on uneven surfaces, consider a closed shoe that offers a little more protection from the elements.
2. Barefoot Basics - Summer is also a fun time to kick off your shoes and go barefoot, but again, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. Only go barefoot in familiar places that are free from rocks or sharp objects.
3. Sunscreen - We know that we need to apply sunscreen more frequently during the summer months, but our feet are an area that oftentimes gets overlooked when it comes to applying sunscreen. Be sure that you cover the tops of your feet and ankles every time you apply sunscreen.
4. Stay Hydrated - We’re also more prone to sweating and dehydration in the summertime, so make it a point to always have water close by this summer. Since our feet are the furthest part of our body away from our heart, they can feel the effects of dehydration sooner than other areas, and you may notice discomfort or cramping in your feet and calves. Drink plenty of water to help keep these issues at bay this summer.
5. Avoid Wet Socks - If your socks get wet, either from water or sweat, it can lead to friction and shearing on your feet, leading to issues like blisters or sores. Moisture-wicking socks can help keep your socks dry, and consider carrying an extra pair of socks if you’re going somewhere where your feet may sweat or your socks may get wet.
6. Wear Shoes In Public Locations - If you’re going to a public pool or heading to the gym for a workout, be sure to wear water shoes, sandals or another type of footwear to avoid contracting a bacterial or fungal infection. Athlete’s foot and other infections are more likely if your feet come in contact with heavily trafficked public areas like locker rooms or changing areas.
7. Stop Small Problems - A final tip to keep in mind is something you should do at all times of the year, and that’s seek out professional help for a foot issue that won’t fully resolve on its own. We know that summer can get busy and the last thing you want to do is find time to get in for an appointment, but putting off care can lead to lingering or worsening symptoms. Proactively take care of foot problems so that you can get back to enjoying your summer!

For help overcoming a summer foot pain, reach out to the team at The Centers For Advanced Orthopaedics today.