Summer means more time outdoors, lighter clothing and, of course, swapping enclosed shoes for thongs, sandals and bare feet. While it’s great to give your feet a break from socks and sneakers, the warmer months can also bring a few common foot problems that are easy to overlook. Click for more info on Footwear for healthy feet
From dry, cracked heels to arch pain and even sunburn, your feet can take more of a beating during summer than you might realise. The good news is that a few simple changes to your summer routine can help keep your feet comfortable and healthy throughout the season.
Cracked heels are a common summer complaint, particularly when open-backed shoes become part of your everyday wardrobe. Sandals and shoes that leave the heel exposed can increase the amount of rubbing and friction around the back and underside of the foot. Combined with dry skin, this can contribute to thickened skin and heel calluses.
If the skin becomes particularly dry and the pressure continues, those calluses can eventually split, creating painful cracks. In more severe cases, these cracks can bleed and leave the skin more vulnerable to infection.
One of the easiest ways to look after your heels is to make moisturising part of your nightly routine. A urea-based heel balm can help soften dry, thickened skin and keep your heels in better condition. Applying it before bed gives the product plenty of time to work while you’re resting.
Your choice of footwear can also make a difference. If you regularly experience rubbing around your heels, look for sandals with a closed-in heel or supportive heel strap.
This can help reduce unnecessary movement and friction as you walk.
If your heels are already deeply cracked, painful or bleeding, it’s worth having them assessed by a podiatrist rather than simply trying to manage them yourself.
Thongs are practically a summer uniform, but they aren’t necessarily the best choice for long walks or days spent on your feet.
Traditional flat thongs tend to provide very little arch support and minimal shock absorption. When you’re walking for extended periods in footwear that offers little support, the structures underneath your foot can be placed under additional strain.
One area that can be affected is the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. Overworking this tissue can contribute to arch and heel pain, particularly if you’re suddenly increasing your walking or activity during the warmer months.
That doesn’t mean you need to ban thongs from your summer wardrobe. They’re perfectly suited to short periods of activity, such as heading to the beach, walking around the pool or popping outside. The issue is more about using them as your main walking shoe for long periods.
If you prefer wearing thongs, consider choosing a pair with built-in arch support and some cushioning. For longer walks, shopping trips, sightseeing or days where you’ll be standing for hours, a supportive sandal or enclosed shoe is generally a better option.
When you’re applying sunscreen before heading outside, your face, shoulders and arms probably get most of the attention. Your feet? Not always.
Sandals and thongs leave the tops of your feet exposed to the sun, making them particularly vulnerable to sunburn. It’s an easy area to forget, especially when you’re busy getting ready for a day at the beach or outdoors.
Make sure you apply SPF sunscreen to the tops of your feet before heading outside. Ideally, apply it around 20 minutes before you go outdoors and remember to reapply after swimming.
It might seem like a small detail, but protecting the skin on your feet is just as important as protecting the rest of your body. To read more about Sunscreen and your feet click here
The warmer months often mean your feet are more visible, but looking after them should be about more than appearance. Pay attention to changes such as persistent dry skin, painful cracks, new areas of pain or discomfort that don’t settle with a change in footwear.
Small problems can sometimes become much harder to manage when they’re ignored, particularly if you’re continuing to put pressure on the area every day.
With a little extra attention to your footwear, skin and daily habits, there’s no reason your feet can’t keep up with everything summer has planned.
If you’re experiencing ongoing heel or arch pain, painful cracks or other foot concerns, the team at Merewether & New Lambton Podiatry can assess what’s going on and help you find the right approach for your feet.
If you’re unsure how to proceed, book in with us at Merewether Podiatry or New Lambton Podiatry for personalised assessment and tailored care.
