With summer fast approaching, it’s easy to forget about the importance of taking care of our feet on those hot, summer days. The humdrum long winters of Chicago make us want to kick our boots off and abandon shoes all together! However, when lounging by the pool, or visiting the sandy beaches, thinking of protective shoes are on the low list of one’s priorities.
You can prevent injuries to the feet and decrease your chances of developing a bacterial infection, fungal infections, or warts on your foot when you avoid walking barefoot. This is very important for diabetics who have a higher risk of nerve loss in their feet and are at higher risk for skin and toe nail trauma.
Flip-flops are a popular shoe in the summer but they can lead to foot problems if worn too long. Wearing flip-flops can lead to arch or heel pain, skin lesions, blisters, tendonitis, and even lower back, hip, and knee pain. If flip-flops are your go-to summer shoe, try and wear ones with an accommodative arch support, straps, and thick soles. Avoid a flip-flop that is too thin and flexible. As with anything, everything in moderation. Prolonged use of a flip-flop while walking or standing can and will lead to foot pain or injury.
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Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to the top and bottom of your feet, toes, and ankles. Remember after exposure to water, to reapply to avoid sun damage to the skin.
One important consideration to remember if you love to paint your toenails is not to leave the nail polish on all summer. There are numerous chemicals in nail polish that can discolor and thin out the nails, and can cause cracks in the nail plates. Nail polish should only be on for about two weeks and then removed. Give your nails a break before re-applying too quickly after removal.
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Look for polishes with fewer chemicals or even try anti-fungal polishes. Our office sells Dr. Remedy nail polish. The ingredients are all-natural and contain tea tree oil and garlic, which are known to help combat fungus. If you’re not sure if it is fungus, see a podiatrist. Getting a pedicure? Make sure the salon where you go sterilizes their equipment. If you are not convinced, then bring your own pedicure tools with you. Nail files harbor some of the worst bacteria and fungus, so better to bring your own supplies than to risk an infection on the nail or skin.
We all want to enjoy the brief summers in Chicago but you also want to make sure your feet stay healthy so you can!
Laura M. Shea, DPM
111 S. Washington Ave Suite#103
Park Ridge, IL 60068
Office number: 847-993-7423
