Spring/Summer Foot Health - What You Need To Know

As the weather begins to heat up and summer is almost upon us, it's customary for people to put away their enclosed shoes in favour of more comfortable, summer-appropriate footwear like sandals and flip-flops. However, whilst people are often so focused on enjoying the beautiful summer days, they can often forget that the hotter weather and bad choices in footwear can wreak havoc on your feet. So to ensure that you make the most of the summer ahead, below are some things to be wary of and to take into consideration as the days get warmer.

Common foot problems encountered during summer
Although not exclusively seen during summer, the combination of increased outdoor activities, unsupportive footwear, and temperature changes means that podiatrists will commonly see a number of foot concerns come in through the treatment rooms. Some foot issues that we commonly see include:

• Dry and cracked heels
  
  • A combination of open heeled shoes such as flip-flops and sandals and reduced natural moisturization of the skin (often associated with hotter temperatures) predisposed the feet to become dry and calloused. In particularly bad situations, heels can crack which can become unsightly and painful.
    
  • THE SOLUTION: choose footwear with enclosed heels, apply moisturiser on the feet daily and consult a podiatrist for treatment of cracked heels and further advice on prevention methods.

• Foot pain
  • Whilst the nature of the foot pain varies, the more commonly seen variety is heel and arch pain. Often this is attributed to the regular use of unsupportive shoes, which causes stress to the delicate, soft tissue structures that stabilise your arches and foot joints. Barefoot walking for extended periods of time can also put a strain on these structures resulting in aches and pains which may get in the way of you enjoying your summer.
  • THE SOLUTION: quite simply, choose supportive footwear! Aim to choose sandals, flip-flops or shoes that have:
    • Support through the arch.
    • Cushioning and protection at the heel.
  • Long gone are the days of unfashionably designed supportive sandals. These days, brands like Frankie4, Bared Footwear, NAOT, and Ziera offer fashionable styles that will keep your feet comfortable, pain-free and supported whilst brands such as Orthaheel, Axign, Slappers and Birkenstock offer the same in flip-flop varieties.

• Corns and blisters
  • Often attributed to a combination of sweating, swelling of the feet, ill-fitting footwear and increased time spent performing physical activities outdoors, corns and blisters can cause enough discomfort to ruin your summer.
  • THE SOLUTION: always plan ahead! If you know you will be spending some time on your feet, avoid uncomfortable or tight shoes. Your feet swell during the day and any footwear tightness will be exacerbated eventually manifesting into a corn or blister. Where possible you should also consider wearing socks to control excessive moisture and provide a protective barrier for the skin. If you do end up developing a corn or uncomfortable blister, please do not attempt to treat them yourself, consult a podiatrist who can painlessly and quickly treat the problem and offer advice as to how you can prevent it from coming back.

• Athletes foot
  • Although it can occur all year round, athletes foot (caused by tinea fungi) commonly occurs during the warmer months. The problem is often a result of an excessive build-up of moisture between digits that are kept in a compressed state, which promotes fungal growth. The result is an irritating itchy sensation which can be spread to surfaces and/or other unsuspecting individuals via contact.
  • THE SOLUTION: always ensure your feet are as dry as possible, particularly in-between the digits. To minimize the risks of infection from communal surfaces such as pools or showers, it is advisable to wear pool or shower shoes as much as possible. If tinea has made a home for itself, it can be controlled using talcum powder and wearing socks that wick moisture away from the surface of the feet. If the skin becomes painful or concerning, seek the help of a podiatrist.

• Sunburnt feet
  • Finally, skin that has been sunburnt due to sun exposure is commonly seen in podiatry clinics during summer months although in most cases people do not complain of any symptoms. The issue here is, much like any other part of your body that is exposed to the sun’s harsh rays, your feet NEED to be protected. The simple fact is sunburn feet can be considerably uncomfortable and may increase your risk of skin cancer.
  • THE SOLUTION: when applying sunscreen, don’t stop at your ankles. Be vigilant when applying sunscreen and ensure that a generous amount is applied to the feet. If a sunburn does occur, application of aloe vera may help sooth the skin. If you do notice changes in the consistency or colour of the skin on your legs or feet, consult your general practitioner or podiatrist for a further check-up.

Above all, consistency and good forward planning is the best strategy for ensuring that you enjoy everything that summer has to offer. For any footwear advice or general skin or nail maintenance, our team are always here, so let us help you make the most of this summer season!

Anel Kapur (Podiatrist, Health Associates)




​