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After a long winter, we weren’t convinced that it would really happen, but warmer weather is on its way. Have your feet been cramped up and withering away in layers of snow boots and woolen socks for the past several months? If you’re in the process scheduling a beach vacation, or just ready for summer footwear, it can be intimidating if your feet are still stuck in winter. Today, our podiatrists, Dr. Joel Segalman and Dr. Stephen Lazaroff at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC are sharing a few tips to get your feet ready for the warmer weather.
Follow these tips to get your feet sandal-ready this spring and summer.
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Immerse your feet. Epsom salt soaks in warm water go a long way in mending winter damage. Rub your heels lightly with a pumice stone after they have been soaking for at least 10 minutes to eliminate any dead skin that has built up. But be sure not to over-soak!
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Dry your feet well. After a foot soak or bath, be sure that you dry your feet completely. Bacteria and fungus thrive in dark, wet areas like the ones between your toes, so be sure to thoroughly dry those areas too.
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Moisturize your feet daily. Before climbing into bed, lather your feet with a moisturizer or foot cream, working it into the heels and soles of your feet. Don’t apply it between your toes – this can generate too much wetness in this area that fungus loves.
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Examine your toenails for any changes. If your toenails have changed color, or become thickened, it could be nail fungus. If you believe you have fungal nails, you need to call your podiatrist. Over-the-counter treatments for fungal toenails often don’t stop what is causing the problem, and the fungus returns shortly after treatment.
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Keep your nails trimmed properly. Your toenails should be cut straight across with a proper toenail clipper. If your nails are rounded, it can lead to painful ingrown toenails.
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Wear the correct footwear. If you find that last year’s spring or summer footwear are tattered or worn, discard them and replace them with new ones. Make sure your new shoes fit properly and don’t crowd your toes, which causes bunions, or slip off your heel, which can create blisters.
If you need help getting your feet in the best shape for spring and summer, contact the offices of Dr. Joel Segalman and Dr. Stephen Lazaroff at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC today to schedule a consultation. You can reach our Waterbury office at (203) 755-0489 or our Newtown location at (203) 270-6724. We can help you with athlete’s foot problems, dry skin issues, fungal nails, ingrown toenails, or any other condition you might be dealing with.