If You’re Going Barefoot This Summer, Be Careful!

Many people will walk around barefoot this summer, and thousands will suffer injuries, such as puncture wounds and cuts. Some will even develop infections that may need surgery. Today, Dr. Hubert Lee of CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists, in Bellevue, WA, is sharing his tips for keeping your feet healthy this summer.

The best way to protect your toes and feet from injury is to wear shoes. However, if your summer just wouldn't be the same without walking barefoot in your backyard or feeling the sand between your toes, you can make it safer by following these tips:

• Get a tetanus vaccination. Experts recommend that both adults and teens get a booster shot every 10 years. Puncture wounds and cuts from sharp objects can lead to illnesses and infections, such as tetanus.

• For a puncture wound, see a podiatrist within 24 hours of the injury. Puncture wounds must be cleaned thoroughly and closely watched during the healing process. This will help to avoid problems, such as bone and tissue infections, or damage to muscles and tendons in the foot.

• Always use sunscreen on the tops of your feet. Feet can get sunburn too, and deadly skin cancers can develop.

• Wear sandals or flip-flops in public areas. To avoid abrasions and cuts from rough surfaces and sharp objects hidden beneath the sand, always wear some type of footwear when around swimming pools, beaches, and locker rooms. This will help to avoid contact with bacteria and viruses that can cause plantar warts, athlete's foot, and other problems.

• Routinely examine your feet and your children's feet. When doing so, be sure to look for skin problems, such as calluses, ingrown toenails, warts, and suspicious freckles, moles, or spots. The earlier a skin condition is identified, the easier it is to treat it.

• Use common sense. Each year, people lose their toes when mowing the lawn while barefoot. Others may experience serious burns from inadvertently stepping on fireworks or campfire coals. Muddy lakes, ponds, and rivers can hide sharp objects underwater that aren’t visible from the surface. Diabetics should never go barefoot, even while indoors.

Follow these tips from Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, and you’ll enjoy happy and healthy feet all summer long. If you’re experiencing any issues with your feet, contact us today at (425) 455-0936 to schedule a consultation.