Summer can be hard on your feet, making proper foot protection a priority. Here are 15 simple steps to healthy, beautiful feet all year round:
Use Sunscreen
Protect your feet the from harsh UV rays on sunny summer days. Apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher to protect your skin from cancer and premature aging. Also, remember to reapply your sunscreen after swimming or sweating, even if the sunscreen claims to be waterproof.
Avoid Walking Barefoot
Walking barefoot is always dangerous, but the intense summer heat increases your risk of sustaining foot injuries. It also puts you at risk of developing plantar warts, ringworm, athlete’s foot, and other infections on the soles of your feet.
Wash Feet
Wash your feet with warm water after wading in lakes, ponds, and other stagnant bodies of water. Still water breeds bacteria, leaving you vulnerable to infection.
Treat Yourself to a Pedicure
Treating yourself to regular pedicures will ensure that both your nails and feet look their best in your chic summer styles.
Stay Hydrated
Staying properly hydrated during the hot summer months will prevent swollen feet. Proper hydration also improves your circulation, which in turn helps you fight infection.
Moisturize
Your feet are drier in the summer since you’re no longer wearing socks. Apply plenty of moisturizer in the morning after your shower to lock-in the moisture. For the best results, reapply before bed.
Wear The Right Socks
Acrylic and synthetic blend socks like CoolMax work the best to wick perspiration, preventing fungal infection. Socks that do not wick perspiration, such as those made from 100% cotton, increase your risk of developing blisters.
Prevent Blisters
Sandals can often cause blisters when they rub against bare feet. If you feel a blister developing, use extra padding such as liquid bandages to protect the affected area. If a blister does develop, be sure to treat it with antibiotic ointment after it pops.
Keep Shoes and Socks Dry
If your shoes or socks get wet, remove them. Wearing wet footwear leaves you vulnerable to developing fungal infections and blisters. Always bring a spare pair of socks and shoes if your feet could potentially get soaked.
The Right Shoes for The Right Occasion
Whether you’re going camping, hiking, boating, or running, it’s always best to wear footwear designed for the activity. Wearing improper footwear during strenuous activity can result in serious injury.
Air Out Feet
Avoid wearing closed-toe shoes and reach for sandals to let your feet breathe. If closed-toe shoes are required, be sure to take them off periodically in order to keep your feet from sweating.
Evaluate Your Flip-Flops
Flip-flops tend to cause sore feet, but that doesn’t mean that you have to avoid them. Be sure to choose flip-flops with extra padding, and avoid walking long distances in them.
Add Cushioning to Shoes.
Many summer shoes do not provide the proper cushioning to keep your feet protected and pain-free. Due to this, you should replace the cushioning in your shoes whenever possible. There are many over-the-counter insoles that will add extra cushioning on the cheap.
Inspect Old Shoes.
Old, worn-out shoes can cause blisters and other foot injuries. Be sure to assess the condition of your summer shoes, and throw away any questionable pairs.
Fore more foot care tips and inspiration, contact the experts at Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center for all of your podiatric needs.
