Do you dream of sand between your toes or the waves rolling onto your feet? You’re probably picturing a gorgeous Caribbean island, not our nearest Talacre beach! Follow our 7 summer foot care tips to keep your feet safe.
1 – Sunburn
Slip, slop, slap on sun cream, including the tops of your feet. They are often missed but are especially prone to burning as they are covered up all winter and take a direct hit from the sun. It’s excruciating to wear any footwear if you’ve got sunburnt feet, so a good factor 50 is a must, and you’ll be reducing the risk of skin cancer at the same time. Double win!
2 – Swollen Feet
On a hot day, to help our bodies stay cool, the blood vessels constrict, causing your body to work harder to push all the blood around. Fluid collects in your feet, causing them to swell; this is called oedema. Some people will find the fluid leaks out of their feet and legs. Keep hydrated, try and cool off and keep gently moving.
3 – Foot pain
Summer shoes may look nice, but they are rarely good for your feet; they lack cushioning and support. Choose footwear appropriate for the activity you will be doing. Podiatrists never recommend flip flops, but if you’re in the garden or at a beach, then it is convenient to be able to slide them on and off easily. If you’re going to the town or for a walk, then a pair of lightweight trainers will be better for your feet. Wearing unsupportive shoes can cause foot pain; if it does, rest, ice, elevate and chose better shoes the next day.
4 – Injuries from sharps
As tempting as going barefoot in the park or at the beach, you are risking an injury. You never know what lurks in the sand; hopefully, it’s just a sharp shell and nothing worse. We love guessing what the foreign object is before using our scalpels to remove it.
5 – Cracked Heels
Hot and dry conditions do cause callused feet to crack. The more and deeper the cracks, the more likelihood of infections. It’s better to prevent the cracking from happening in the first place and moisturise your feet daily.
6 – Sweaty/ smelly feet
Feet have hundreds of sweat glands in them; feet must sweat to cool us down. On a hot day and when you are active, it is necessary to drink more water than usual. Staying hydrated will also reduce foot odour, washing your feet properly and wearing fresh socks daily.
7 – Blisters
Heat doesn’t directly cause blisters. Instead, the combination of moisture, friction and pressure causes blisters. When you come from winter boots to tighter fitted/strappy summer shoes, you might find you get a blister. Don’t pop it; allow your body to reabsorb the fluid. Cover it with a blister to keep out infection if it does pop.
Hopefully, we haven’t ruined your fun completely; make the most of the weather and enjoy an ice cream. If you have a foot problem, just in contact as that’s what we are here for.