Foot Care in the Summer: 9 Tips for Healthy Footwear

Summertime is here, which means there are plenty of opportunities to get on your feet, head outside, and bask in the warm, sunny weather. For you, that may mean more fun trips to the park or hiking at the nearest trail. For someone else, it might mean extra time gardening, camping, dancing at outdoor concerts, trips to the beach, or even long morning walks to get the blood pumping. Studies show that 96% of U.S. adults value spending more time outdoors, and summer intensifies that urge. That said, it is important to be mindful of what is going on with your feet. After all, August is Summer Sun Safety Month, and one of the keys to a happy summer includes making foot care and healthy footwear a priority.

Many of us do not think about our footwear until it is too late. Certain shoes that look and feel good as we leave the house become too tight or loose, not supportive enough, and uncomfortable with wear. When you factor in being on your feet more than usual and rising temperatures and humidity outside, this can lead to more discomfort and complications.

Whether you are used to being healthy and active or are trying to keep symptoms and complications from diabetes and neuropathy at bay so you can enjoy the summertime, StrideCare is here for you.

Could your painful feet be the result of poor foot care and footwear? Request an appointment with a StrideCare podiatrist today. Our collaborative approach ensures you receive the care you need.

Why Is Foot Care Such a Big Issue During the Summer?

Foot care and healthy footwear are important year-round. That said, most of us are naturally more active during the summer. As a result of the extra walking, running, biking, and simply standing more often, our feet experience more stress than usual. Our feet are also exposed to the elements as we trade socks and supportive shoes for flip-flops, other lightweight footwear, and even walk barefoot. While these are common practices for this time of year, the extra time spent on our feet and improper footwear or no footwear at all either opens the door to issues we have not experienced before, aggravates existing issues, or leads to a combination of the two that can force us to the sidelines if ignored or left unchecked.

A few additional effects of improper footwear include:

1. Changes to how you walk — Wearing flip-flops, walking barefoot, or wearing ill-fitted shoes during the summer creates postural changes and alters how you walk. This leads to sole, heel, and ankle problems.
2. Creates excessive ankle movement — If your ankles are not supported properly, they could begin to roll outward as you stand, leading to the issues mentioned above.
3. No shock absorption — Our feet allow us to bear an incredible amount of weight (1.5 times a person’s body weight with every step), transmit force, and perform everyday tasks. Healthy footwear ensures extra cushion and support.

Foot Care and Healthy Footwear Are Crucial for Diabetic Patients

Foot care and healthy footwear during the summer are critical for everyone, especially older individuals and those with diabetes or another underlying condition. Problems with the feet and toes are common complications of diabetes. In fact, diabetes is responsible for over 50% of all foot amputations in the United States.

Over time, diabetes can lead to nerve damage, making it difficult to feel foot irritations, soreness, or infections. Reduced blood flow can also lead to wounds that heal slowly. If you or a loved one falls into this category, you may be a candidate for diabetic footwear with custom inserts and special diabetic shoes designed to alleviate pressure and prevent the development of painful pressure points, blisters, and sores—many of which become major problems during the summer months. The benefits of diabetic footwear are many, including better circulation, extra room for the toes, reduced high-pressure areas, improved motion control, and increased depth for inserts.

To learn more about diabetic footwear, including how to get approved, Medicare requirements, and what the custom footwear process looks like, click here.

9 Foot Care and Healthy Footwear Tips During the Summer

You cannot prevent foot pain during the summer unless you plan to stay indoors and limit your activity, which is not practical for many people. However, you can reduce your chances of unnecessary foot issues by paying attention to these foot care and healthy footwear tips.

1. Choose comfortable but supportive shoes

Flip-flops are OK, but not for everyday use. Find shoes with good arch and sole support, extra cushion, and toe room. Healthy footwear should fit snugly enough to avoid slipping and rubbing and have a thicker sole for shock absorption.

2. Match the shoe to the activity

If you plan to go on a long hike, exercise, do some gardening or lawn work, or walk a lot at a waterpark with hot concrete and lots of steps, it is important to choose healthy footwear that matches the activity and comfortably covers the entire foot.

3. Mind the bend

When picking out healthy footwear, always stick with shoes that bend at or near the ball of the foot. Any shoe that bends down the middle is likely too flimsy and should not be worn for long stretches.

4. If you prefer to wear sandals, choose wisely

Sandals are a popular summer footwear item and a healthier alternative to flip-flops in most cases. If you plan to wear them, choose a pair made from quality, breathable materials with straps that can secure your feet and reduce rubbing and friction.

5. Stay hydrated

Drinking the recommended eight to 10 glasses of water daily limits swelling and inflammation and encourages proper blood circulation throughout your body, including your feet.

6. Consider compression socks

Compression socks are a great complement to healthy footwear because they gently apply pressure to support your legs, reduce swelling, and limit the symptoms of leg pain. The best time to wear compression socks is while exercising and when you sit or stand for too long.

7. Examine your feet daily

Even if you consider yourself relatively healthy, check for cracks, peeling, injuries, and anything else that does not seem right. And if you do spot something (bunions, blisters, wounds, etc.) or feel like your footwear is getting more comfortable the longer you wear them, do not ignore it. This is particularly important for diabetic patients and those susceptible to diabetic foot ulcers.

8. Limit walking barefoot

While walking barefoot may feel great at first, it exposes you and your loved ones to sunburn, athlete’s foot, ringworm, plantar warts, and various injuries.

9. Take foot care seriously

Occasional foot pain is one thing. Still, consistent pain, numbness, tingling, sores, etc., that do not resolve quickly should be evaluated by your podiatrist as soon as possible. Left unattended, these signs of poor foot health and unhealthy footwear can lead to life-altering consequences.

For Foot Care and Healthy Footwear This Summer Depend on StrideCare

It is summertime, and you deserve to have as much fun in the sun as possible. Just be aware that foot care and healthy footwear are essential to ensuring you get the most out of whatever you plan to do with your time. For many people, foot swelling, pain, and other issues are temporary and will subside quickly. For others, especially those already struggling with diabetes, it may become a bigger issue than anticipated. As a result, you may think the only option is to cut your summer fun short. This does not have to be the case. StrideCare can help.

StrideCare has long been a leader in multi-specialty care for treating lower-extremity vascular and podiatric conditions, including foot care and diabetic footwear. While these symptoms are minor in their earliest stages, they can eventually lead to more severe and life-interrupting issues if not treated by a trained specialist. The experts at StrideCare will recommend an individualized plan to help you get the best results.

At StrideCare, we are here to help, all while providing compassionate patient care. Please contact us at 866-552-4866 or complete the appointment form to schedule a consultation.

This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Prior to starting any new treatment or questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider.

StrideCare serves North Texas and South Texas communities, including Sherman, South Dallas, Southlake, Stone Oak, Sugar Land, Sulphur Springs, The Woodlands, Waxahachie, Webster, Addison, Allen, Anna, Arlington, Austin, Carrollton, Celina, Clear Lake, Craig Ranch, Dallas, Euless, Flower Mound, Forney, Fort Worth, Frisco, Garland, Houston, Irving, Katy, Kaufman, Mansfield, McKinney, Mesquite, Midland, North Dallas, Odessa, Paris, Pecos, Plano, Prosper, Rockwall, Round Rock, Rowlett, Royce City, San Antonio, and more.

*Patient names and/or photos may be changed to protect patient confidentiality.