Summer tips for summer feet

With the beach, family vacations, camping and amusement parks there is plenty of fun to be had in the summer time. With this increase in activity it can be quite trying on your feet. No need to fear, there are some simple tips to help keep your feet happy and healthy all summer long.

With summer in full swing, the odds are you will be more active. With the beach, family vacations, camping and amusement parks there is plenty of fun to be had in the summer time. With this increase in activity it can be quite trying on your feet. No need to fear, there are some simple tips to help keep your feet happy and healthy all summer long.

1) Use Those Flip-Flops in Moderation

Most flip-flop or sandals don't have adequate support for your feet. They are ideal for the beach or the pool and even if you know you are not going to be on your feet or walking for an extended period. However, if you are planning on doing a lot of walking or spending the day on your feet, wearing a shoe with more support is critical to avoid possible tendon and ligament strain in your feet, legs and even back. Flip-flops are not built for the board walk!

2) Realize your Feet and Legs Tend To Swell More In Summer

This is due to the increase in temperature along with the possibility you are going to be on your feet more. If possible, elevate your feet above the level of your heart 2-3 times a day, for at least 20 minutes. At the very least, be sure to prop your feet up at the end of the day for 30-45 minutes.

Also, it is important to wear a shoe that fits properly. If you start the day off with a shoe that fits snug, it is likely to be quite uncomfortable by the end of the day. In addition, the tight shoe can cause friction, which could lead to blisters.

Finally, if you are going to purchase shoes, preferably buy them in the late afternoon or evening, since your feet are more likely to be larger at this time of day.

3) Try to Avoid Going Barefoot

The likelihood that you get cuts, scratches, bumps, punctures, and all kinds of other traumas, major or minor are greatly reduced if you are wearing some type of shoe. For example, people, especially kids, are more likely to get warts on the bottom of the feet during the summer, because they step on tiny pieces of glass, wood, or other hazard which, although does not cause a serious puncture wound, is enough to place the virus in the skin. Warts are contagious, so wear shoes if you are walking around a community pool.

4) Trim your Nails Properly

Trim your nails straight across. Do not cut the nails down in the corners. This can lead to ingrowing toenails and infections. If you already are doing this, go see a foot doctor to fix the problem before you hit the beach.

5) Keep your Feet Clean

Wash with soap and water daily. Try not to soak feet, as this removes the skins natural oils. Also, after washing feet, apply a moisturizer to your feet, but avoid between your toes. If you are prone to calluses, hard skin, or cracking heels, you will require a moisturizer that also has an ingredient to specifically soften these areas.

6) Careful with Discolored Nails

Don't use polish on discolored, cracked, or brittle nails. Your nails may have a fungus, and using polish will likely make the condition worse. You may need to use a topical medication.

7) Have/Use a pair of Good Supportive Shoes

As mentioned before, if you are going to be on your feet, like at an amusement park, it is best to have a pair of good supportive shoes to prevent numerous types of foot injuries. You are more likely to experience heel pain if you increase your activities, but are not using a supportive shoe. If you notice heel pain during the day, it is important to get off your feet and rest them. Also, if you do a lot of walking, and the next morning when you wake up you notice you have a lot of pain in your heels, you need to take it easy. Give your feet a rest, do some calf stretches, ice and some massage to keep the condition from getting worse.