Tips for healthy feet in summer

In Adelaide, the weather is certainly starting to heat up again! If you are heading towards the beach or just enjoying what is left of the summer weather, here are our top tips to maintaining healthy feet.

1. New shoes? Make sure your shoes fit correctly for healthy feet

• Do they correctly fit your feet? Do they feel right in the store?
• Comfortable and proper fitting shoes will not need to be “broke in”.
• Well fitting shoes will help you avoid blistering and chaffing on areas of your feet.
• If you are unsure, be sure to see your podiatrist for a footwear assessment.

2. Monitor the amount of time spent in thongs/open footwear

• Wearing thongs all day, every day, can lead to excessively dry feet and cracked heels.
• Spending too much time in less supportive footwear can also lead to heel pain (plantar fasciitis), tendon Injury and exacerbate clawing/hammer toes.
• If you do like to wear thongs and sandals in the warm weather, be wise with your shoe selections! Sandals/thongs with an arch supportive foot bed and enclosed heel counter provide much more supportive for healthy feet.

3. Keep barefoot walking to a minimum for healthy feet

• It might be nice to walk around with those shoes off in the summertime, but it can also put you at risk of contracting warts and fungal (tinea) infections. This is because fungi and bacteria like to live in warm, moist environments, like swimming pool areas.
• Walking barefoot can also increase the chances of walking on a foreign body, such as glass or splinters.
• For those with Diabetes– barefoot walking should always be avoided. Daily foot checks are beneficial!

4. Apply sunscreen for healthy feet!

• Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your feet!
• Our feet are not exempt from overexposure to those harmful UV rays either, so do not forgot them when applying sunscreen to protect your body.
• Skin cancers can be found on the feet as we often forget to apply sunscreen to this area.