Summer is well on its way, with the weather getting warmer and the days getting longer. That means trips to the pool, hikes in the countryside and spending time in the great outdoors are all back on the calendar.
But it’s important not to neglect our feet this summer. We get it; summer is on your mind, and the last thing you’re thinking about is whether you moisturised the soles of your feet this morning. But foot care is essential to our overall health and well-being. Unfortunately, that means summer is not an excuse to neglect those tootsies.
Here are our top five summer foot care tips for keeping your feet healthy and happy
Make inspection part of your morning routine
One of the easiest ways to keep on top of your foot care is to inspect your feet regularly. This means checking your toes and the top and bottom of your feet for cuts, bruises, blisters and other wounds. We recommend integrating this inspection into your morning routine. The quicker you spot cuts or blisters, the less likely these are to get infected and turn into more severe issues. If you do spot a cut or blister on your feet, clean it off immediately and apply antiseptic ointment if required.
Apply sunscreen to your feet
Now you’ve checked your feet over this fine summer morning, you need to ensure they’re protected from the day’s heat. While a day at the beach might sound delightful, you may not be quite so keen when you’re walking home in agony with sunburned feet. You may not realise it, but your feet can quickly become sunburned, and so it’s important to take preventative measures. After doing your morning foot check, apply sunscreen to help protect your feet from the sun’s harmful UV rays. You can apply sunscreen all over your feet but try not to get it in between the toes.
Regularly wash your feet with soap and water
We don’t want to state the obvious here but washing your feet with soap and water is essential for removing sweat and bacteria that can lead to skin problems such as athlete’s foot or even a fungal nail infection. You can wash your feet every day with soap and warm water, but ensure the water isn’t too hot as this can damage the skin on your feet. After washing your feet, be sure to dry them thoroughly, especially in between the toes. You may also apply a moisturiser to keep the skin on your feet healthy but be cautious not to apply in between the toes.
Wear properly fitting shoes
In the summer heat, your feet swell, meaning it’s important to ensure your shoes are properly fitting and provide adequate support. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to a plethora of foot problems further down the road.
Consider what you’re doing this beautiful summer day and choose shoes designed for the occasion. For example, don’t go for a hike in flip-flops. Instead, wear roomy and breathable shoes that still provide good heel and arch support. If you are struggling with pain in your feet when walking or from wearing shoes, you could benefit from custom orthotics. Contact us to find out more about how orthotics could help you.
Stay hydrated
Do your entire body a favour this summer and ensure you stay well hydrated. You should drink plenty of fluids to ensure that your feet are properly hydrated. The summer heat causes us to sweat, which can be a problem for your feet. Sweating causes dry and cracked skin as well as a breeding ground for bacteria. Keep your feet clean with regular baths or showers before bedtime, and apply a soothing foot cream or lotion to ensure hydration.
If you need foot care help or advice, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team of qualified podiatrists are happy to help assess and treat any foot-related problems or injuries you may be experiencing.
*This blog contains general information about medical conditions and is not advice. You must not rely upon the information in this blog as medical advice. Medical advice should always be sought from an appropriately qualified podiatrist such as ourselves.