Keep Your Feet Healthy All Summer Long
It’s that time of year when we want to run around barefoot or wear flip flops and sandals. After a long winter of your feet hibernating, they are now on constant display. Here are a couple of tips to keep your feet summer ready all summer long.
Prevent and treat dry cracked heels. Use an exfoliating moisturizer and a pumice stone on a regular basis, to treat your heels. Use of salt scrub and a heavy-duty foot cream are also helpful. However, be aware that if the condition is persistent, you should visit a doctor. This could be a sign of fungus, psoriasis, thyroid issues or diabetes.
Blast the blisters. Make sure to purchase comfortable shoes whether it be summer sandals, work shoes or sneakers. If you wind up with blisters, clean them and leave them intact. However, if unbearable, take a needle sterilized in alcohol and poke a tiny hole in the blister, draining the fluid out. Apply antibiotic ointment and cover.
Skip those flip flops. If you wear these too often, it increases your chance of getting stress fractures, heel pain, tendonitis, and hammertoes. If you must wear this summer essential, look for a pair with a thicker sole, arch support, and straps.
Be careful when walking barefoot. Constantly walking barefoot increases your risk of contracting viruses, fungus or bacteria. You can also step on a foreign object such as glass or get a splinter. Throw on a pair of supportive slippers or flip flops to prevent this.
Sweaty Feet. For some, hot summer temperature means sweaty feet and severely sweaty feet can lead to infection. Wearing socks that keep the moisture away from your feet or rinsing your feet off can be helpful. Look for all natural ways to reduce sweat production. Use underarm antiperspirants on your feet (yes this does work!).
Get a safe pedicure. Having a pedicure is a lovely part of summer. However, you must be careful as to which salon you choose as the whirlpool and tools may harbor fungus, viruses, and bacteria. A few solutions for this …… bring your own tool kit, look for places that sterilize the tools or keep each set in its own sterilized package and find the salons that use plastic liners in their whirlpools. Don’t shave your legs for at least 24 hours before your appointment as any open cuts is susceptible to infection.
Don’t forget sunscreen. Remember to apply sunscreen all over your feet to prevent sunburn and blistering. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and soak your feet in a tub of ice water for 15 minutes (and then pat dry) to reduce any swelling.
Our physicians will counsel you on which treatments may be necessary including medications, shoe gear, major or minor surgical procedures, and the use of orthotics which are prescription. For an appointment today please call (973) 365-2208.