You may be loving your summer wardrobe – but are your feet? Our podiatrists here at My FootDr have shared some summer foot care tips to help you look after your feet during the warmer months.
The Facts On Thongs
While thongs or flip flops are part of our Australian fashion culture and convenient to wear, they put us at risk of developing foot problems.
Thongs don’t have the necessary support of our everyday shoes, as a flat piece of rubber or leather does not provide enough support in the arch area of the foot. If they are worn for a prolonged period, they can cause severe arch pain or pain on the ball of the foot. This is as they offer no stability, causing the foot to move while walking.
Thongs aren’t all bad, however – they do protect the foot from the hot sand at the beach, or prevent the spread of athlete’s foot at the pool or public showers and changing rooms, so use them sparingly. As a better alternative for your feet, we recommend wearing mySandals to keep your feet happy and healthy.
Prevent Fungal Infections
If you are prone to sweaty feet or smelly feet, you may be more prone to fungal infections. In the warm, summer months, take more time to expose your bare feet to the air, especially if you wear shoes and socks all day. Be careful when in communal showers at swimming pools as foot fungus and the wart virus can be easily acquired in these areas. If you already have a fungal toenail infection, laser treatment is currently the most effective treatment for fungal nail infections, and if you’re unhappy with the appearance of your toenails, KeryFlex cosmetic nail restoration may be the best treatment for you to get your feet looking wonderful again.
Foot Injuries
Going barefoot in the summer is only natural and has some benefits for short periods of time, but is not recommended for outside the home or prolonged periods. Too often, injuries occur from punctures or cuts. Always wear covered footwear outside the home or at work. If engaging in water activities, such as canoeing or kayaking, try to wear water shoes or sandals to protect your feet along rocky shorelines or river beds. If an injury occurs, contact your podiatrist or doctor immediately.
If you are a diabetic, shoes should be worn at ALL times to avoid injury. Even the slightest cut can be a cause for alarm among people with diabetes where healing can be difficult and the risk of infection may be high.
Heel Care
During the summer, the skin on the bottom of your feet is prone to dryness and cracking due to excessive sweating. In extreme cases, your feet can bleed or become infected if callus is allowed to build up and crack, which can also crack the healthy skin beneath. Apply moisturiser to the heels twice a day. Your podiatrist can recommend the best cream for your feet – or try one of our warm paraffin wax baths.
Apply Sunscreen
Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to the tops of your feet and toes. If your feet are exposed, they will get burned – which isn’t just painful, but can be a skin cancer risk.
Have a safe summer and keep those feet happy and healthy!