Summer is so close we can taste it, and hopefully you’re ready to get outside and enjoy everything the summer season brings in Georgia. If you’re like us, the summer season means you’ll be more active and on your feet, which also means that we need to pay a little more attention to our feet if we want to keep them healthy all summer long. With that in mind, we want to use today’s blog to spotlight five habits you should pursue this summer to make it easier for your feet to remain healthy all season long.
Healthy Summer Feet
If you keep these tips in mind, there’s a better chance that your feet and ankles will make it through the summer unscathed:
1. Wear The Right Shoes For The Activity That Day – Don’t just shove your feet into any old shoe and assume they will protect you the same. Sandals can be a great option for a low-key day outside, but they won’t be right if you’ll be walking or standing all day. Think about what the summer day will bring, and match your footwear accordingly.
2. Switch Your Shoes Regularly – Get in the habit of wearing different shoes throughout the summer, so long as they are still designed for the activities you’ll be pursuing. Our feet tend to sweat more in the summer, and if you’re always wearing the same closed-toe shoe, your footwear can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Rotating your shoes helps them breath a bit and dry out between uses.
3. Apply Sunscreen To Your Feet – Most people remember to hit key areas of their upper body when applying sunscreen, like their neck, shoulders, ears and arms, but it’s easier to overlook some areas of our lower body. Bend over and make sure that you apply sunscreen to your feet and toes, as sunburn and skin cancer can set in if these areas are ignored. Be sure to reapply sunscreen if your feet sweat or you dip them in the pool.
4. Moisturize – If you wear sandals or go barefoot quite regularly during the hot summer months, it’s easier for the skin on your feet to become dry and cracked. Dry, cracked heels can become painful and may act as an entry point for bacteria to get into your body. You can work to prevent this by regularly moisturizing your feet throughout the summer, especially if you won’t be wearing socks that day.
5. Treat Small Issues – Finally, there’s a good chance that your feet won’t feel perfect all summer long, especially if you’re very active. You can treat minor aches and pains with some conservative treatments like rest, ice, compression and elevation, and make it a point to avoid high-impact activities if your feet are feeling overstressed. Don’t ignore dull foot pain, because it could evolve into a more serious injury. If discomfort worsens or you develop a more severe injury, have it professionally treated. Proactively treating a minor issue is the quickest way to put an end to foot and ankle pain that could serve to slow you down this summer.
Keep these tips in mind and connect with Dr. Silverman if you’re dealing with foot and ankle discomfort, and we’re confident that you and your feet will have a wonderful summer! For more information, or to set up your first appointment, reach out to his office today at (770) 475-2710.