Memorial Day weekend is on the horizon, and for many Minnesotans, that means they’ll be taking a trip to one of the state’s more than 10,000 lakes to enjoy the extended weekend. Time away with family and friends near the water can be enjoyable and relaxing, but it can also be rough on your feet if you’re not careful. In today’s blog, we share some tips for protecting your feet at the lake this holiday weekend.
Foot Hazards At The Lake
There are a number of different ways you can injure your ankles and feet when you’re at the lake. Here’s a look at some of those ways and some tips for preventing injuries.
1. Sprained Ankles – The ground near the lake is probably a little bumpy and rigid, which can lead to sprained ankles. You should always keep an eye out for dips or holes as you get closer to the sand and the water so you don’t step on uneven ground and twist your ankle.
2. Puncture Wounds – While we’re not saying you should always wear shoes at the beach, there are plenty of objects near the water that can lead to puncture wounds. Sea shells, rocks and other debris can cut or even lodge themselves in your foot. Don’t go barefoot until you feel that you’re away from objects that could cut or puncture your feet.
3. Sunburn – Sunburn will make life uncomfortable for a few days, and there’s always the chance that it could contribute to skin cancer down the road. Your feet are easily overlooked when applying sunscreen, but make sure you take time to apply some SPF to your feet, otherwise it may hurt to wear socks or shoes in the near future.
4. Slip And Falls – Falls can lead to injuries in a number of different body parts, including your feet. When you’re around water, assume nearby walking surfaces could be wet and potentially slippery. Whether it’s the pier by the lake or the surface near the in-ground swimming pool, assume it’s slippery and traverse it with caution.
5. Shoe-Related Injuries – While this probably won’t happen over one long weekend at the lake, we want you to be smart about the shoe choice you make when you’re near the water, particularly when it comes to sandals. If your sandals don’t fit properly, or even if they fit well but you wear them all the time, you may be overworking your arch as your toes flex to help keep the sandal in the right position. Avoid wearing sandals excessively, especially if you find yourself flexing your toes to hold the shoe in place as you walk. Sandals with straps or a heel to help keep the shoe in place can help protect against arch problems.
If you can keep these five things in mind, we’re confident that you’ll have a good chance of keeping your feet safe from injury this weekend. But if something happens and you need care for a foot or ankle injury, reach out to Dr. Silverman and the experienced staff at Silverman Ankle & Foot today.
