Summertime Foot Care Tips to Protect Your Feet

Dr. Brian Nagy | June 20th, 2017

Posted In: General Foot Care

Your feet are what keeps you moving. In the summer, it can be a difficult and thankless job considering they are usually confined to shoes or being exposed to hot surfaces. There are several things you can do to keep your feet healthy and happy during the long, hot days of summer. These foot care tips are easy to manage and will provide your feet with much deserved relief when the day ends and you can finally relax.

Always Wear Shoes or Sandals

Wearing the right shoe at the right time will prevent injuries and keep your feet as comfortable as possible — no matter what activity you’re participating in.

Flip flops may not be the best form of footwear, but they’re ideal for the beach and the pool. Cleats and athletic shoes that are designed for the sport you’re taking part in will protect your feet and give you the traction you need to enhance your performance.

If you are hiking, walking, or running, make sure to choose the right type of shoe that fits your foot properly. Going barefoot is fine on some surfaces, but don’t take chances when you’re out in public.

Apply Sunscreen to Your Feet

Apply sunscreen to your feet when you’re applying it to your body. The tops of your feet are in the direct line of the sun and need protection, just like your shoulders and your face. Use a moisturizer that contains an SPF of at least 30 and re-apply as often as needed, especially if you’re getting in and out of the water.

Moisturizing your feet is essential if they’re constantly being exposed to the elements. Many people don’t realize that wearing sandals leaves your feet vulnerable to sunlight and other elements that can cause them to dry out and become cracked.

Drink Plenty of Water

Spending long hot days in the summer sun can wreak havoc on your body, including your feet. When your body becomes dehydrated, your feet are often the first to suffer. Not only does your body not use what water it has efficiently, it deprives the tissues of the fluids they need to remain healthy. Drinking plenty of water during the hottest part of the day will help to flush out toxins that can sometimes accumulate in the feet.

Move Your Feet Often

Flex your feet and your ankles. Move your toes and wiggle them often. This keeps the blood flowing and improves circulation. During the hot summer months, your feet can begin to swell. Moving your feet frequently will keep the joints from stiffening and helps to keep the blood circulating freely.

Another way to stimulate positive blood flow to the feet is to massage them. When your feet are hot and tired, massage helps to loosen the tight tissues, freeing up toxins and increasing circulation.

Use an Epsom Salts Soak

After a long day on the playing field or hiking, put a small amount of Epsom salts in a tub of warm water. This relaxes the tissues and helps the body to release toxins. The soothing and calming effect of the water also helps to relax other areas of the body as well. The minerals in the Epsom salts helps to restore and nourish the skin of your feet, especially if they have been sweating inside of shoes for the better part of the day.

Use the above foot care tips to give your feet the pampering they deserve. The long, hot days of summer can take a toll on your feet. Take care to protect them from injury and infection and they will serve you well.

A few minutes spent taking care of the little things will allow your feet to feel great all day, every day. If you do begin to feel any pain or discomfort, make an appointment with a New Hampshire podiatrist at Nagy Footcare to find out what is wrong before it becomes a major issue.

At Nagy Footcare, our best day is the day you wake up with no foot pain.