Summertime may be coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still learn a few foot care tips for the hotter months. After all, shouldn’t you be enjoying all the beach days, late evening picnics, and other summer fun you can before school and work start up again?
Dr. Jennifer Tauber and the rest of us here at New Canaan Podiatry take foot care seriously, especially during the months people are most likely to be spending time outdoors. So, here are some of our favorite summertime foot care tips for you and your family.
We know, we know! The temptation to kick off your sneakers and venture into the grass barefoot is almost too hard to ignore during the summer months. But really, we would be remiss if we didn’t at least ask you to consider never leaving the house without a proper pair of shoes.
Wear sneakers with lots of support any time you’ll be walking long distances; flip-flops may be fun for the summer, but they’ll cause problems down the road if you wear them too often. Even a day at the beach or the lagoon calls for the proper foot attire. When you get in the water, make sure to wear water shoes that will protect your feet from shells, sand, and jagged rocks. Trust us, you’ll thank us later!
Most people wear sunscreen through May until September, but are you one of the many people who often forgets to lather their feet? The American Podiatric Medical Association wants to remind you that the ankles and the tops of the feet are very likely to get burned if you don’t apply sunscreen. Also, remember to reapply after going into the water!
If you’re trying to break in a new pair of shoes, do so with caution: blisters can get much worse during the summer months, especially due to sweaty feet. Everyday Health advises buying shoes that are already comfortable and soft, but if you still find you’re getting blisters, make sure to wash the area with soap and water and avoid popping the blister. If you have to pop it because it becomes extremely painful, do so with a sterile needle and let the fluid drain out, leaving the skin intact. This, however, is not advisable for those with diabetes.
Moisturizing your feet is a great way to keep them looking and feeling good throughout the summer and to avoid cracked heels. However, you’re going to want to remember those recently moisturized feet will be slightly more sensitive, so go easy on them.
Finally, you’ll want to inspect your feet often for any signs of trouble. If you like to get pedicures often, make sure you check for any signs of nail infections or athlete’s foot. If you go to the beach a lot, check for cuts and scrapes before and after you take a dip. If you can catch problems early, you can keep them from becoming a whole lot worse. This is doubly true for those with diabetes, but anyone and everyone should be watching out for their foot health in the summertime.
Contact us at 203-263-9052 or book an appointment online. Our New Canaan, CT office is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, and Dr. Tauber looks forward to meeting you and discussing your foot health at the end of this long, hot summer.
