Pool Problems

Pool season is almost here, and we are so excited! The pool is a fun place to move and get some exercise for the day. There’s no doubting that we recommend water aerobics as a low-impact way to keep your body moving. Do you love the pool? If so, do you prefer outdoor pools or indoor pools?

The team of doctors here at PodiatryCare, PC and the Heel Pain Center recognizes all the fun and excitement that come with a pool day. Whether you are new to swimming or have been swimming for seasons, there are helpful tips to stay safe. As podiatrists, we have some foot-focused recommendations to add.

Watch out for slips, twists, and trips.

If you are not careful, speeding things up during your walk around the pool can lead to an injury. Areas near the pool can become slippery, so watch your step.

  • When your ankle moves unnaturally, it can lead to an ankle sprain. If you think you experienced this injury, contact your podiatrist.

  • Protect your feet from injury by wearing the proper shoes; flip-flops are not the best pool shoes.

  • Pay attention to your surroundings. If an area looks wet, alert the pool attendant to protect others from falling.

Beware of foot infections.

There are fungal toenails, plantar warts, and athlete’s foot. A few not-so-great things may be at the pool, too.

  • Pool time is fun until you come home with itchy feet or discolored toenails; fungi may be lurking at your pool

  • Keep your feet covered to limit exposure to germs

  • Never walk barefoot and avoid pool days if you have large wounds

Protect your skin.

If you are out at the pool, so is the sun. Protect your skin by wearing sunscreen and applying it regularly. Read the directions carefully and check the expiration date.

  • Apply sunscreen to your feet and ankles

  • Contact us if you have any skin changes

  • Monitor moles during daily foot inspections

This pool season, we hope you follow our advice. Watch out for slips, twists, and turns; beware of foot infections, and protect your skin. We are always here to help.

Our board-certified team of foot and ankle doctors at PodiatryCare, PC and the Heel Pain Center has experience with addressing foot needs, including bunions and hammertoes, pediatric foot care, custom orthotics, heel pain, diabetic foot care, and more. The team includes Dr. Charlotte George, Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, and Dr. Laura Vander Poel. We have two locations in Hartford County: 1379 Enfield Street, Enfield, CT, and 1350 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor, CT. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.

 

foot healthWPVskin, feet, ankles, plantar warts, fungal toenails, wounds, ankle sprain, pool, podiatrist