- Use sunscreen — When you go to the beach or the pool, you probably don’t forget to put sunscreen on your arms, back, face, and neck. However, you need to remember to apply sunscreen to your legs and your feet as well. The sun may strike your back and arms more, but the tops of your feet are still susceptible to sunburn.
- Avoid going barefoot — When it’s warm outside, it’s more tempting to walk around without shoes, especially at pools or the beach. When you don’t wear shoes though, you increase your risk of getting Athlete’s Foot, Plantars Warts, or other diseases. Exposure to broken glass and other sharp objects is dangerous as well.
- Drink plenty of water — This is the mantra of beating the summer heat. Staying hydrated is important for your heart’s health and your body’s ability to function, especially when the heat increases the rate of dehydration. If you don’t drink enough water, your feet are more likely to swell and be discomforted.
- Choose the right footwear — You now know going barefoot is a bad idea, but it’s just as important to make sure you wear the right shoes. If you’re going on vacation, like many other people do in the summer, then wear shoes that you are comfortable walking in. They should be breathable and supportive. You should not wear flip flops or sandals unless you are going near the water; this type of footwear is not supportive and is more prone to causing blisters than other shoes.
- Keep your feet free of sweat — Sweaty feet can be problematic because they cause unpleasant odors, blisters, and promote disease, such as Athlete’s Foot. A common solution is to wear breathable shoes, but many people still wear the wrong socks. Cotton or nylon socks allow sweat to accumulate. Choosing moisture wicking socks made of wool, silk, and other synthetic materials can help protect your feet from sweat.
- Watch out for blisters — Wearing the wrong shoes or the wrong socks can irritate your foot and lead to painful blisters. If you follow the advice above, you may prevent a blister from ever occurring. If you feel a spot on your foot growing irritated, cover it with a bandage and ointment to keep the irritation from developing into a blister.
If you are having heel pain or another issue with your feet, you need an expert to evaluate and treat the condition. Call Kansas City Foot Specialists to schedule an evaluation at (913) 338-4440, or request an appointment online so we can work with you to keep your feet healthy.