Summertime means open-toed shoes, sandals, flip-flops, and other types of footwear that expose your feet, so keeping them healthy is essential. Not only do you want your feet to look their best but you want to keep them free from injury. As millions of people hit the beach for vacation and fun, Dr. Ariel Lepoff offers these foot safety tips for the summertime.
“We don’t want to have burns on our feet from walking on hot sand. This is especially important for people that happen to have neuropathy or diabetes, and can’t really feel the sand temperate,” said Dr. Ariel Lepoff, Podiatrist at MyCare Medical in partnership with The Medical Group of South Florida. “It’s also important to get special water shoes to avoid stepping on a shell and causing a cut on your foot.”
Dr. Ariel Lepoff, Podiatrist at MyCare Medical in partnership with The Medical Group of South Florida
Summer Foot Safety Tips:
Wouldn’t you rather spend time collecting sea shells than doctor’s bills? No worries. There are ways to prevent these future foot predicaments so you can go back to your sun-kissed dreams and enjoy a liberated foot experience.
- Protect Feet From Puncture Wounds: Wear water shoes to protect your feet from puncture wounds and cuts caused by sea shells, broken glass, and other sharp objects. When you’re walking around the beach or in the water, the rubber sole of your water shoes will prevent most sharp objects from piercing the bottom of the foot. The mesh material makes the shoes comfortable in the water while still protecting the skin.
- Shield Your Feet From Burns: Sand, sidewalks, and waved surfaces get very hot in the summer sun. Be sure to wear shoes to protect your soles from getting burned, especially if you have neuropathy or diabetes.
- Remember To Dry Your Toes: Summer means lots of time by the water, either at the pool or the ocean. As you play in the waves and settle into the sand, don’t forget to dry off your feet. When you wear water shoes or get your shoes wet, take them off as quickly as possible to prevent your feet from staying moist for a long time.
- Listen To Your Feet: Walking, jogging, and playing sports on soft, uneven surfaces like sand frequently leads to arch pain, heel pain, ankle sprains, and other injuries. To protect your feet, wear appropriate athletic shoes to provide the heel cushioning and arch support that flip-flops and sandals lack.
- Don’t Forget Sunscreen On Your Feet: Feet can get sunburned, too. The skin on your feet is highly susceptible to melanoma and other forms of skin cancer. Apply sunscreen on the tops and bottoms of your feet to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun.
Types of Shoes for Summer:
Walking barefoot in the grass or sand is common in the summer months, but this can create foot problems. Leaving the house in the summer without the proper type of footwear can put your feet at risk of injury. It is important to always wear shoes to protect your feet, especially if you plan to be active. Walking barefoot can put you at risk for injuries, burns, and scrapes that may negatively impact your feet.
- Flip flops. In Florida, we often enjoy wearing flip-flops. They are a good option to wear at a pool or beach in order to prevent fungal infections and burns. However, they do not provide arch support and can make your toes work harder than they should, creating hammertoes and bunions.
- Sandals. Sandals are a popular choice for summer footwear and come in endless styles. If you are planning to wear sandals, choose a pair that provides support and have straps that can secure your feet. A sandal with a forefoot and an ankle strap is the best bet.
- Water shoes. Water shoes are an ideal choice for the beach or pool. They can protect your feet from objects such as shells or rocks and give you traction on slippery surfaces.
Here are a few styles and brands Dr. Lepoff recommends for Women:
Here are a few styles and brands Dr. Lepoff recommends for Men:
We are here for you
We can’t stress enough how important it is to take good care of your feet, as it can directly affect your overall health and lead to more serious problems. If you are having any issues related to your feet and ankles, speak with your primary care physician about a referral to see a podiatrist.
If you have concerns about your legs or feet, please call (561) 622-6111 and make an appointment to come see Dr. Ariel Lepoff at The Medical Group of South Florida. Dr. Lepoff will do an examination and evaluate the overall condition of your legs and feet. Then together with you, determine the best course of treatment to bring about proper healing. Whenever, wherever you need us, we’re here for you.