Summer is when feet come out of their shoes and take a bit of a battering, sun, heat, open footwear and shared poolsides all bring their own issues. A little seasonal care keeps them healthy and comfortable through the warmer months. Here is what to watch for in summer.
Why Is Summer Hard on Your Feet?
Warm weather changes how we treat our feet. Open shoes expose the skin to sun and rubbing, heat makes feet swell, and shared pool and changing-room floors are prime places to pick up verrucae and athlete's foot. A few sensible habits handle all of it.
Protecting Your Feet From Sun and Heat
Two things get overlooked in the heat:
- Apply sun cream to the tops of your feet, which burn easily in sandals
- Stay hydrated, since feet swell in the heat and swelling is worse when dehydrated
- Rinse and dry feet after the beach to remove sand and salt
- Rest and elevate swollen feet at the end of a hot day
Small steps, but they make a warm day much more comfortable.
Choosing Summer Footwear That Supports Your Feet
Sandals and flip-flops are fine for the pool or beach, but constant wear offers little support and can lead to arch and heel pain. For walking and longer days, choose something more supportive. Our guide on how the right shoes protect your feet covers what to look for.
Avoiding Verrucae and Athlete's Foot in Summer
Warm, damp floors around pools and showers are where verrucae and athlete's foot spread. Wear something on your feet in communal areas, dry your feet well afterwards, and treat any athlete's foot promptly so it does not take hold or spread.
At Advanced Footcare Group we treat the foot problems that summer tends to bring, from verrucae to sore, swollen feet.
If a summer foot problem needs attention, call 01306 883 332 or book an appointment.
Frequently asked questions.
Do I need to protect my feet from the sun?
Yes. The tops of the feet are easy to forget and can burn quickly in sandals or bare feet. Apply sun cream to them along with the rest of your body, and reapply as needed. Sunburnt feet are surprisingly uncomfortable to walk on.
Can flip-flops cause foot problems?
Worn constantly, they can. Flip-flops offer little support or cushioning, which can lead to arch and heel pain over time, and they leave the feet exposed. They are fine for the pool or beach, but a more supportive shoe is better for longer wear and walking.
How do I avoid catching foot infections at the pool?
Verrucae and athlete's foot spread on warm, damp poolside floors. Wearing something on your feet around pools and in communal showers, and drying your feet well afterwards, reduces the risk. Treat any athlete's foot promptly so it does not spread.