Protect Your Feet This Summer

Summer provides lots of opportunities for fun activities, and here at Texas Foot Specialists we want to see our patients enjoy them all—without harming their feet. Foot injuries can take you by surprise if you are unprepared. Whatever you do for fun this summer, plan ahead to protect your feet.

Beach, Pool or Lake: Cooling off by the water is on everybody’s summer to-do list! Make sure you apply a good sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays and reapply after each time you go into the water. Wear water shoes or flip-flops to protect your feet from getting cuts or puncture wounds, and also to prevent athlete’s foot, warts and fungal toenails—all of which are easily spread by direct contact with a surface that has been walked on by an infected person.

Picnics and Barbecues: Choose shoes that are appropriate for the venue. Backyards can be uneven and have dips in the grass as well as stones and sticks. Cute heeled sandals may look great with your outfit but pose an ankle-twisting hazard. If there’s a chance that a softball or volleyball game may be part of the day, make sure you either wear sneakers or have a pair in the car. Playing in flip-flops or summer sandals is most likely to end in injury.

Sightseeing and Shopping: If you’ll be out walking for a long period of time, wear a pair of tried and true comfortable shoes. This is not the occasion for a brand new pair which may cause a blister. Sweat causes friction, so keep some moleskin in your bag in case you start to feel a sore spot developing on your foot. Also, if you are wearing open shoes, don’t forget to apply sunscreen. Many patients are surprised by sunburn on the tops of their feet when they were not at the pool or beach, but all-day exposure with outside walking leaves your feet just as vulnerable to the sun’s damaging rays.

Hiking: Shoes, again, are critical here. Wear hiking boots that fit properly in order to ensure your feet and ankles will be supported on your trek. In addition, pack plenty of water which will keep you hydrated and help preventing swelling of your feet and ankles. Have moleskin and a small first aid kit in your pack for any unforeseen minor foot irritations.

Notice that the podiatrist office is not on the list of summer-fun venues! But if you do sustain an injury or notice any unusual rashes or other symptoms on your feet, don’t delay in making an appointment at our Pasadena (281) 991-0600, Sugar Land (281) 242-4448 or Houston (713) 664-6677 office. Our foot and ankle surgeons, Dr. Gregory Mangum and Dr. Bruce Miller, will promptly diagnose your podiatric problem and get you back on track for enjoying the summer.