Summer is in full swing, and people are more active than ever. The good weather can be a lot of fun, but it can also put a lot of stress on your feet. Don’t worry though, we’ll go through some summer foot tips so you’re ready.

There are several ways you can prevent these future foot predicaments, such as:

• Limit walking barefoot. First, walking barefoot can expose your feet to sunburn. It can also expose your feet to plantar warts, athlete’s foot, and also increases the risk of injury to your feet.
• Wear shoes around the pool, beach, and locker room. These are all places where there’s a high incidence of contracting bacterial infections, so you want to make sure your feet are protected.
• Apply sunscreen! Everyone remembers to apply sunscreen to their bodies, but we often forget about our feet. Unfortunately, our feet are just as susceptible to sunburns and damage from UV rays. Especially the tops and fronts of ankles tend to be vulnerable. Don’t forget to reapply after you’ve been in the water.
• Stay hydrated. Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day. This helps not only with overall health but will also minimize any foot swelling caused by the heat.
• Keep blood flowing with periodic ankle flexes, toe wiggles, and calf stretches. It’s important to warm up and stretch the muscles, tendons, and joints regularly, both before and after any strenuous exertions. These exercises will keep your feet nimble and flexible.
• Address sweaty feet.We have thousands of sweat glands on the bottom of our feet, so it’s important to keep them as clean and dry as possible. Try wearing socks that help absorb sweat. Opt for a moisture-wicking brand or 100% cotton socks.

If you do find an issue or are experiencing any pain or discomfort, contact a specialist right away.  Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Donal M. Erickson, and Dr. Keith Sherman, and their staff will help you diagnose and treat your foot or ankle condition. Call Syracuse Podiatry, located in East Syracuse, New York, for more tips and expert advice. Call 315-446-3668 or make an appointment online today.