5 Summer Foot Care Tips

With summer just around the corner, it's the perfect time to start new, healthy foot care habits and begin to break old ones. We're sure your summer will be full of fun activities, like barbeques, pool parties, beach trips, and vacation plans. The last thing you want is to feel dragged down by foot or ankle pain!

Here is our list of 5 effective ways to care for your feet this summer:

1.    Practice Daily Foot Care

Washing your feet is one of the best ways to stay proactive against foot infections. During your daily shower, thoroughly wash your feet with warm water and mild soap. Get in between your toes, and don't forget the tops of your feet, too! Always follow up with towel drying them to avoid a fungal infection.

2.    Visit Your Podiatrist

We know doctor’s appointments aren’t always things you can look forward to. But seeing your podiatrist annually for a checkup is crucial for maintaining good long-term foot health. This is especially true for those with diabetes, arthritis, or any other diagnosed foot condition. Avoid canceling your appointments, too.

3.    Avoid Walking Barefoot

The upcoming warm weather may tempt you to walk barefoot, but we encourage you not to. Keep your feet covered, especially while walking outside. Walking without shoes exposes your feet to germs, pebbles, sharp objects, hot pavement, and sun damage.

4.    Wear the Right Shoes

Foot issues are often solved when you change your shoes. Wearing shoes that don't fit right, with no support and protection, can damage your feet over time. Flip-flops and high heels are two of the biggest culprits. Instead, go for something more comfortable in your correct shoe size.

5.    If You’re In Pain, Call Your Podiatrist

Many try to "fix" their foot or ankle pain with at-home treatments. Sometimes this works, but often it doesn't. Waiting to work on solving your painful condition may make things worse, and treatment may take longer! Instead of reaching for a DIY solution, give your podiatrist a call.

Here at PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center, we specialize in custom orthotics, along with various other foot and ankle ailments. Dr. Charlotte George, Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and the rest of our team are dedicated to helping our Hartford County patients. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.