Look after your feet this summer – 6 hot weather hazards to be aware of
It’s finally the time of year where our feet get to see the light of day having been confined to fluffy socks and big boots through the autumn, winter and the showers of the spring. Whether you’re wandering around in trainers, sandals or barefoot at the beach or pool, we understand how liberating it can be to have your feet back on show.
In all the excitement of nicer weather, we can sometimes forget how summer time can cause risks for our feet. In this article we explore 5 summer feet hazards you should look out for:
1. Sunburn
Many of us forget to apply sunscreen to our feet which can have disastrous and painful consequences. If you do burn your feet, stay well hydrated and avoid wearing shoes that may rub or be too tight. You can also try a cool foot soak and apply an over-the-counter cream or an aftersun product containing aloe vera. If your feet blister from sunburn, do not pop them or cause irritation to the area. Your skin will need time to heal and you want to prevent infection. If you see any discharge or the blisters worsen, visit a podiatrist.
2. Sweaty feet
In the warmer weather our feet can get sweaty, especially when wearing enclosed footwear for work, the gym, or generally out and about on our travels. Sweaty feet can lead to growth of a fungal nail infection or athlete’s foot, so we suggest you air your feet regularly, make sure to wash your feet daily and remember to change your socks each day or after activities where your feet were particularly sweaty! If you find yourself struggling with potential fungal nail infection or athlete’s foot speak to your podiatrist.
3. Going barefoot
When the weather’s warm it can be tempting to walk around outside with no shoes, especially when wandering on a nice sandy beach. However it’s really important to consider the surface we’re walking on to avoid risk of cuts, splinters and other nasty foot injuries. Make sure when going barefoot to avoid sharp rocky areas, grass with thorny weeds or areas where construction bits and bobs have been left behind.
4. Unsupportive shoes
If you’re planning on doing a lot of walking this summer, avoid the flip flops and sandals where you find yourself curling your toes to keep them on your feet. Wearing these types of footwear can cause you to over work certain muscles and put you at a higher risk of painful injuries. We aren’t saying not to wear them, but think in moderation, and only if they are appropriate for the activity.
5. Swollen feet
There are a number of foot conditions that can cause swollen feet, but it’s a lot more common in the summer due to a combination of the heat, humidity and increased walking throughout the day. If your feet swell in the summer there’s a few things you can try such as soaking your feet in cool water, upping your water intake and wearing shoes that allow your feet to breathe and move freely. If you find swollen feet to be an ongoing problem, it’s time to speak to a podiatrist.
6. Ticks
Ticks are small parasites that feed on blood and may spread diseases. They are particularly active in the warmer months and often found in long grassy areas, therefore it is imperative you take precautions when out on your walks such as wearing closed toe shoes, so they have less access to your skin. If you get bitten by a tick it is important to remove it carefully and monitor the site, speaking to your GP if you start to feel unwell or a circular ‘bulls-eye’ rash starts to form around the area of the bite. You can find out more about ticks and what to do in our next blog post!
We hope you have a great summer and no matter what you get up to, make sure to take care of your feet. If you find you’re struggling with a foot or ankle issue, book in to see our experienced podiatry team so we can get you back to enjoying your holidays. You can contact our team on 01372 723 000 or book online via our booking page.
