No matter what summer means to you -- surfing, hiking, or boating -- lighter footwear or bare feet can put you at risk for injury. If you develop a foot problem, such as blisters, a fungal infection, or even a sprained or twisted ankle, it can put a kink in your summer plans.
At Foot and Ankle Care of Passaic, our founder Sean Rosenblum, DPM wants you and your kids to enjoy every moment of sunny days and warm weather. He’s assembled this list of tips to keep you, your family, and all of your tootsies safe for summer.
If you’re traveling, you might be tempted to ditch specialized footwear to keep your baggage light. But different activities require different footwear to keep your feet safe. Even wearing socks can help prevent blisters or calluses if you’re going on long hikes or walks.
Wear hiking boots or sturdy athletic shoes if you’re headed out for a hike or run. This type of footwear gives your foot and ankle the support you need, which reduces your risk for a sprained ankle.
Flip-flops may be comfortable and are great for the pool or beach, but taking long walks in them could result in calluses or blisters. They also don’t protect you from rocks, pebbles, or puncture wounds.
Check your footwear for wear and tear, too. If your shoes are damaged or show signs of uneven wear, get new ones. Break in new shoes and sneakers slowly, however. The stiffness of new shoes could irritate your skin, causing uncomfortable blisters or calluses.
If you’re doing any heavy remodeling or gardening projects this summer, make sure to wear hard-topped, closed shoes. They’ll protect your feet from accidents and injuries.
The rush of summer activities makes it easy to forget to pay attention to your feet. However, an ounce of prevention can be worth a pound of cure when it comes to your feet, too.
Especially if you don’t wear socks, friction from your foot sliding back and forth in your shoes or sandals can cause calluses or corns to form on your feet. Severe corns and calluses might even start to change the shape of your foot or make it painful to walk or wear shoes.
Soak your feet in warm water and gently buff them with a pumice stone. We also offer professional treatment options for corns and calluses.
Bare feet feel great. But if you walk around barefooted in public spaces, you’re at risk for the fungal infection known as athlete’s foot. Going barefooted also increases your risk for warts.
Always wear sandals or shower shoes when you’re at the beach, pool, public showers, or other public spaces. Wash and dry your feet and toes thoroughly at least once a day. Don’t share shoes, socks, or towels with other people.
Even if you prepare thoroughly, accidents can still occur. If you have a foot or ankle injury or another podiatry problem this summer, get in touch with our team for diagnosis and treatment. We offer a full range of foot products, such as topical treatments for fungal infections, pain-relieving gel treatments, and more.
For all of your podiatry needs -- including a foot care consultation -- contact us online or over the phone today.
