Step Into Summer: Your Guide to Happy, Healthy Feet

Summer is here! For many, that means three months of sandals, flip-flops, and even bare feet. While embracing the warm weather outside, it's crucial to remember that your foot health can suffer if not properly cared for. In this conversation with WFMY 2 Your Well-Being, Jake Semon, DPM, with Cone Health Triad Foot & Ankle Center shares expert tips to keep you having fun all season long.

Common Summer Foot Ailments

Due to increased heat, moisture, and activity, these conditions arise frequently in the summer:

• Athlete's foot, a fungal infection thriving in warm, damp conditions.
• Blisters, often caused by friction from ill-fitting shoes or increased sweating.
• Cracked heels, resulting from dry skin and pressure, exacerbated by open-backed footwear.
• Overuse injuries such as plantar fasciitis, are common when increasing activity levels without proper support.
• Acute injuries like sprains can be more likely with inappropriate footwear.

Treatment and Prevention

Cracked heels and rough skin can range from mild dryness to painful fissures. Dr. Semon recommends starting with a simple, unscented moisturizer. For more developed issues, look for products containing salicylic acid or urea as active ingredients.

Pro-tip: Apply a thick layer of moisturizer or petroleum jelly to your feet and cover with socks overnight to trap moisture and enhance absorption. Wearing shoes and socks regularly can also help maintain skin moisture.

At-Home Nail Care

When it comes to toenail care, especially with sandal season in full swing, Dr. Semon advises caution:

• Cut your toenails straight across. This helps prevent ingrown toenails.

• Be very careful with any sharp tools.

• Don't "dig" into the corners or cut them too short. This can encourage ingrown nails.

• At-home "self-surgery" on ingrown toenails causes a big risk for infection. Seek professional help instead.

• While dealing with calluses, avoid aggressively filing them down with razors or other sharp tools as it's easy to cut yourself.

Pedicures

Pedicures are a popular summer treat, but it's essential to enjoy them safely.

• Limit the frequency of your appointments to every four to six weeks.

• Choose a salon with reputable hygiene practices. Don't hesitate to ask about their sterilization methods.

• Your nail file should be brand new out of the package or demonstrably sterilized.

• A little gentle filing of rough skin is fine, but if the technician brings out a "cheese grater" or "shaving device," that's a red flag! Aggressive filing can easily lead to cuts and infection.

When to See a Podiatrist

Dr. Semon advises seeking attention if you experience:

• Change in appearance of your feet or nails.

• Lingering pain that doesn't resolve.

• Pain that impacts your day-to-day life or limits your function (e.g., walking, exercising).

• Sudden pain with activities you enjoy, like playing pickleball, jumping, or running.

• Acute injuries such as ankle sprains or fractures.

Smart Summer Shoes

Your shoe choices play a significant role in foot health, especially during active summer months.

• Avoid Poor Arch Support: Flat shoes with no cushion, especially cheap flip-flops without a back-strap, offer minimal support and can lead to problems.

• Match Shoes to the Activity:

  • Hiking: Opt for breathable, supportive boots that are higher on the ankle and ideally waterproof, especially if traversing varied terrain. Flip-flops on a hike are a definite no-go!

  • Amusement Parks/Lots of Walking: Choose a good supportive running, trainer, or walking shoe. Look for a thick sole with slight heel elevation.

  • The "Taco Test": If you can easily fold your shoe from toe to heel like a taco, it likely lacks sufficient support for prolonged activity.

The Truth About Flip-Flops and Going Barefoot

While tempting, moderation is key for both flip-flops and going barefoot.

• Flip-Flops and sandals generally lack arch and ankle support. If you have flat feet or over-pronate, they can cause significant pain. Sandals without a back heel strap can alter your gait and lead to overuse injuries over time. Limit their use for light activity.

• Bare feet can have a time and a place, like during yoga. However, going barefoot increases the risk of foreign body injuries (like stepping on glass). If you have conditions like diabetes or numbness in your feet, you should be extremely cautious, as you might not even realize you've sustained an injury.

Recovery Shoes

"Recovery shoes" like OOFOS are on the rise, as footwear designed to aid post-activity recuperation. Benefits include:

• Improved circulation to your lower extremities.

• Reduced muscle fatigue and stress from weight-bearing.

• Pressure relief to help with soreness.

• Spongy materials with good arch support that often still come in sandal or flip-flop styles.

• Ideal for wearing around the house after intense workouts or long runs, rather than for all-day errands.

Next Steps

As a leading podiatric practice in North Carolina, Triad Foot & Ankle Center is your trusted destination for comprehensive foot and ankle care. Make an appointment.