Whether you enjoy outdoor sports, yearn for adventure, or want a quiet time under the clear blue skies, summer is a time to embrace the sunshine and do what you love. But as you soak in the sun and rock those flip-flops, remember that summer foot injuries are never far away. While the increased outdoor activity can make your feet hurt, open-toed shoes combined with the hot weather expose you to swelling, cracked heels, infections, and sunburn. Here’s how to avoid summer foot injuries and enjoy your favorite activities.
Are Shoes Really Necessary?
You may want to feel the ground on your feet, but staying barefoot in the summer exposes you to various risks. For starters, the hot ground could blister or burn your feet, especially when you don’t walk in the shade. You also risk injury from nails, rocks, broken glass, thorns, and other sharp objects. Left untreated, the injury can infect your foot, interfering with your flexibility and ability to walk.
Shoes also support the feet to prevent muscle strains. Remember, it’s not enough to wear any shoe—you need the right footwear for every occasion. For instance, running shoes provide the necessary comfort and stability to reduce the risk of blisters and ankle sprains. On the other hand, sandals with proper arch support allow your feet to breathe.
How Can You Help Your Feet Adjust to Summer?
It’s tempting to start your summer with intense physical activity. However, straining your body could result in stress fractures and overuse injuries. The solution is starting slow, increasing the exercise intensity and duration progressively. Say you take up running. You can start with a shorter distance to evaluate your body’s response and then increase the speed, distance, and frequency of the runs, provided your feet don’t get sore.
This gradual transition also applies to footwear. If you’re used to closed-toe shoes, don’t jump into sandals immediately. You could wear sandals several hours a day until your feet get comfortable.
How Can Stretching Help?
From relieving pain and increasing flexibility to enhancing circulation and preventing injuries, stretching contributes to your foot health and overall well-being. You can try the following foot stretches.
- Toe curls
- Toe flexes
- Calf stretches
- Heel drops
- Big-toe stretch
- Ankle circles
In case of underlying foot problems, consult your doctor before trying stretching exercises. Similarly, recognize your limits—forcing extreme positions could cause injuries.
When Should You Treat Summer Foot Injuries?
Contact a podiatrist as soon as you injure your feet or experience pain. Remember, your body is interconnected—what appears as a foot problem could affect your knee, hip, and even spine.
Foot Specialists of Birmingham would love to take care of you. Book an appointment with us to treat your summer foot injuries.
