Summertime Tips to Keep Your Feet Healthy

It’s summertime, and that means it’s time to break out the bathing suits and sandals. But not so fast. Have you noticed that your feet start to ache by the end of the summer? Or maybe you notice that your feet get injured more often during the summer months. 

Just like wearing sunscreen is vital during the summer, so is taking care of your feet. Our team here at Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers wants you to enjoy your summer, so use our preventive tips for having healthy feet this summer. 

Prevent blisters 

You bought a brand new pair of sandals to strut your stuff this summer, except they come at the painfully steep price of giving you blisters. Blisters happen when the material of the shoe rubs on your skin until the skin fills with fluid to cushion and protect the deeper layers of skin. 

The best treatment is prevention. Only buy shoes that are comfortable from the day you buy them. Skip the shoes that need “breaking in.” 

If you’ve already bought the painful shoes, try lining the inside with moleskin. This can prevent future blisters at the painful points. 

Stop unwanted odor 

Don’t get stuck wearing sneakers or other closed-toed shoes this summer because you’re embarrassed by foot odor. Your feet sweat more during the summer which attracts bacteria that create the smell. 

You can prevent the unwanted smell by rotating the shoes you wear. This gives them a chance to dry out. You should also wear socks made of cotton or other absorbent material to wick moisture away from your skin. 

Keep your feet free of odor by washing them regularly with an antifungal soap and tea tree oil and dusting them with baby powder or foot powder. If the smell doesn’t go away, our podiatrists at Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers can diagnose and treat the cause of your unwanted odor. 

Heal cracked heels 

Open-back shoes don’t support the heel of your foot. This can cause the fat pad to spread, which then causes those unsightly cracks. If you have deep cracks that are bleeding, it’s best to seek professional treatment. We can help create a treatment plan to heal your feet. 

Dry or cracked heels can also be a sign that you have a thyroid issue, psoriasis, fungus, or even diabetes. If you’re concerned that your feet may be signaling a more serious issue, our team can give you a medical diagnosis.

Support your arch 

When the weather starts to warm up, we break out the flip flops. The problem is, these flimsy sandals are not meant to be worn all day. By the end of the summer, you may experience heel pain, stress fractures, and tendonitis. 

If you love your flip flops and can’t live without them, then you need to invest in a quality pair. Look for a pair that has a thick sole with solid arch support. The more straps flip flops (or sandals) have, the better they are for your feet. 

If you can bend the shoes in half, they’re not supportive enough. Save that type of flimsy sandals for poolside or the gym locker room. 

Get help keeping your feet healthy 

Keep your feet in good shape this summer by taking the simple steps of protecting them from harm. Be sure to wear correctly fitted shoes that provide you with enough support to walk around all day without discomfort. 

If you do see signs of trouble with your feet, don’t delay treatment, which allows symptoms to worsen. Schedule your appointment with one of our knowledgeable doctors at Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers and let us help you have feet you’re proud to show off this summer. Call the office closest to you in either Arlington or Mansfield, Texas, or book your visit online.