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Summer can be fun, but the heat can be rough on your feet. Today Dr. Joel Segalman, Dr. Stephen Lazaroff, and Dr. Brittany Ciaramello at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC in New Haven County and Fairfield County are sharing their tips to help you steer clear of the most common foot health hazards of summer.
Going Barefoot: Walking barefoot increases your chance of infection or injury, and it can cause foot pain in other ways, as well. For example, if you have high or normal arches, going without proper arch support can be very uncomfortable.
Wearing Shoes Without Proper Support: Flip-flops or sandals can cause foot pain. They are too flat and make the front of the foot work harder to keep the shoe on. Try to find options that offer some support.
Swollen Feet: Increased activity levels along with high heat and humidity mean we see an increase in swollen feet during the warmer months. It’s best to avoid salty foods and get plenty of exercise to increase your blood flow.
Sweaty Feet: This can become a foot health issue because they can be more susceptible to infections. We recommend patients try the same antiperspirants they use on their underarms. If the problem continues, there are stronger products we can prescribe.
Germy Feet: Many people don’t think about germs, but that's exactly what your unprotected feet are exposed to when you’re out and about. And having cuts or blisters on your feet can elevate your risk of exposure. Wash your feet when you get home and apply an antibacterial spray.
Sunburned Feet: Often people apply sunblock to the shoulders and back but forget to put it on their feet. If you get sunburn on your feet, you can treat your foot pain just as you would other areas of the body.
Athlete's Foot: Athlete’s foot is commonplace year-round, but in summer it becomes a concern due to the increased risk of spreading the disease. To reduce your risk, wear shower or pool shoes whenever possible.
Blisters and Corns: The sweating, sunburn, and swelling that are common in summer can lead to other foot health issues such as blisters and corns. The best way to prevent these issues from occurring is to wear supportive socks and shoes whenever you are active.
We hope these tips keep your feet happy and healthy this summer. If a problem arises, contact the offices of Dr. Joel Segalman, Dr. Stephen Lazaroff, and Dr. Brittany Ciaramello at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC in New Haven County and Fairfield County to schedule a consultation. You can reach our Waterbury office at (203) 755-0489 or our Newtown office at (203) 270-6724.