Our Top 5 Tips for Happy, Healthy Summer Feet

With more outdoor fun in the sun and heat, our feet need a little extra TLC to stay healthy. And displaying your summer feet in open footwear comes with the territory. Today, Dr. Joel Segalman and Dr. Stephen Lazaroff at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC are sharing their top 5 tips for keeping your feet happy and healthy this summer. 

1. Nourish cracked heels. Unsupportive and backless shoes can create more stress on the pad of the heel. This, together with not wearing socks, can make heels crack. Surface cracks should be nourished daily with a moisturizing and exfoliating treatment. You can do this using a pumice stone in the shower 2 or 3 times a week to help smooth the heels. Deeper skin crevices or other skin conditions such as diabetes-related conditions, psoriasis, and fungal infections should be treated by your podiatrist.

2. Treat smelly, sweaty feet. While embarrassing, this is a very common problem. With the heat, sweaty feet and odor can be difficult to avoid. Avoid pantyhose and nylons and wear socks that are of synthetic and cotton blend to wick away moisture from the skin. If your feet keep sweating, try using an antiperspirant spray or drying foot powder. Be sure to change your socks each day and keep your feet dry in between the toes.

3. Protect against blisters. Strappy-type sandals can cause a pinch that may lead to blister development. Keep an extra product on hand such as a simple band-aid, blister stick or moleskin. Gel pads and anti-chafing lubricants also work well. Larger blisters should be treated by your podiatrist.

4. Give yourself a safe pedicure. Some pedicure facilities harbor an overabundance of microorganisms. Try a safe at-home pedicure using a nail polish that is free of formaldehyde. Occasionally remove polish to give your nails a breather from the harsh, staining dyes that are found in some nail polishes.

5. Treat your feet to a foot bath. When spending a lot of time on your feet, they may begin to swell. Try soaking them in cool-to-lukewarm water with added peppermint oil, and Epsom salts. The cooler water will decrease the end-of-day swelling and refresh your weary feet. At the end of the day, remember to occasionally elevate your feet and legs.

If you want more tips for maintaining your feet this summer, or you’re due for a checkup, contact Dr. Joel Segalman and Dr. Stephen Lazaroff at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC to schedule an appointment. You can reach our Waterbury office at (203) 755-0489 or our Newtown location at (203) 270-6724 to schedule a consultation.