Summertime is here and it’s a great time to share some foot care tips for the hotter months. Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA takes foot care seriously, particularly during the months when people are most likely to be spending time outside. So, today he is sharing some of his favorite summer foot care tips.
Moisturize your feet. Moisturizing your feet keeps them feeling and looking good throughout the summer and it helps avoid unsightly cracked heels. But remember that feet that have been moisturized recently will be slightly more sensitive, so be easy on them.
Always wear shoes. We realize that the temptation to take off your shoes and walk barefoot is difficult to ignore during the summer months. But you should never leave the house without proper footwear. You should wear sneakers with plenty of support any time you’ll be walking long distances. And while flip-flops may be fun to wear during the hotter months, they’ll cause problems later if you wear them too much. When entering the water, be sure to wear water shoes to protect your feet from the sand, jagged rocks, and shells.
Prevent blisters. Blisters can get much worse during the summer months when feet tend to sweat. Choose shoes that are already soft and comfortable, but if you’re still getting blisters, be sure to keep the area clean by washing it with soap and water. If you have to burst the blister because it becomes too painful, use a sterile needle and drain the fluid out, leaving the skin in place. (Note: This is not recommended for people with diabetes.)
Always apply sunscreen. Many people wear sunscreen from May through September but tend to forget about their feet. The ankles and the tops of the feet will very likely get burned without sunscreen. And be sure to reapply after going into the water!
Keep an eye out for problems. Examine your feet consistently for any signs of a problem. If you get pedicures regularly, be sure you check for any signs of athlete’s foot or nail infection. If you frequent the beach, check for scrapes and cuts both before and after you go in the water. If you can identify problems early, you can keep them from worsening. This is particularly true for those with diabetes, but everyone should be keeping an eye on their foot health during the summer months.
Protect your feet this summer! If you notice any problems, contact Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA immediately to schedule a consultation with him either online or by calling us at 425-455-0936.
