Summer is a time for outdoor activities and sports – but also increased injuries in children and adults. To tackle this, we enlisted the help of our very own Dr. Zeeshan Husain from Great Lakes Foot and Ankle Institute. He was kind enough to provide us with a quick list of practical but important ways to prioritize foot health and safety this summer.
1. Limit walking barefoot as it exposes feet to sunburn as well as plantar warts, athlete’s foot, and other foreign bodies and infections and also increases risk of injury to your feet.
2. Wear shoes or flip-flops around the pool, to the beach, in the locker room and even on the carpeting or in the bathroom of your hotel room to prevent injuries and limit the likelihood of contracting any infections.
3. Remember to apply sunscreen all over your feet, especially the tops and fronts of ankles, and don’t forget to reapply after you’ve been in the water.
4. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. This will not only help with overall health, but will also minimize any foot swelling caused by the heat.
5. Keep blood flowing with periodic ankle flexes, toe wiggles, and calf stretches.
6. Some activities at the beach, lake, or river may require different types of footwear, so be sure to ask the contact at each activity if specific shoes are needed. To be safe, always pack an extra pair of sneakers or a pair of protective water shoes.
7. If you will be participating in an activity where your shoes will be getting wet, you should dry them out completely before wearing them again to prevent bacteria or fungus from growing.
8. If you injure your foot or ankle while on vacation, seek professional medical attention from a podiatric physician. Many people often contact a doctor only when something is broken or sprained, but a podiatrist can begin treating your ailment immediately while you’re away from home!
