This post was written by Ashley M. Bojrab, DPM, FACFAS, ABPM, CWS, PPG – Podiatry.
Summer is in full swing, and I have some great reminders to keep your feet protected during the most active months of the year.
Keep feet protected. If you are anything like my two nephews, you like to go bare foot outside, and that leaves you vulnerable to a foot injury. When you go outside, wear rubber soled shoes that protect your feet from the unknown hazards beneath you. I also recommend opting for a shoe that encloses your toes so that you can avoid those painful stubs and scrapes.
Wear sunscreen. The summer heat can be intense, particularly during peak daytime hours. When you apply sunscreen don’t forget the tops and bottoms of the feet as they can be exposed to the harsh sun conditions and burn, too.
Wear water shoes. Wearing water shoes while in the pool, lake or ocean can help protect your feet from injury. Not only can the water shoes keep a foreign body from entering your foot, but they also prevent burning on the bottoms of your feet on hot cement.
Address those sweaty feet. We have thousands of sweat glands on the bottom of our feet, so we want to keep them as clean and dry as possible. This means wearing socks that help absorb sweat. Opt for a moisture-wicking brand or 100% cotton socks. Sometimes antiperspirants can help reduce the sweat, which may be useful to prevent athlete’s foot, a fungus that likes to live in dark, moist environments.
Don’t wait to seek care. If an injury or something abnormal occurs, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or podiatrist sooner rather than later. In most cases, the provider can address the issue before it progresses, leading to a better outcome and less pain.
