The sun is breaking through at last and it’s time to look forward to a summer of fun and adventures. Getting yourself ready for summer is not just about finding new outfits and digging out the tanning cream, it’s also about considering your health so that you can make the most of the opportunities that come your way this year. Making time to take care of yourself is vital, and that includes keeping your feet healthy and protecting them against injuries.
Keeping your feet healthy in the summer means that you give them the TLC they need to feel and look great throughout the warmer weather when they are most likely to be on show and are more susceptible to problems such as swelling. Many common foot conditions occur during the summer because the feet are placed under extra pressure with shoes that do not support the feet properly, and you’ll have a much better summer when you take the time to care for them correctly. Read on for our top tips and we’ll share our insider expertise on keeping your feet healthy this summer.
A Good Foot Care Routine
Taking care of your feet in the summer and throughout your lifetime is easier if you get into a good routine. We recommend seeking advice from a podiatrist or other medical professional if you experience unexplained foot pain or have an underlying condition such as diabetes that makes it harder to keep your feet healthy. A daily foot care routine should incorporate all of the following:
1. Washing your feet. It’s really important to wash your feet every day, especially in the summer when they are more likely to sweat, as the build up of bacteria can cause problems such as Athlete’s Foot. Simply standing in the shower is not enough, you need to use soap and water to ensure your feet are clean. It’s a good idea to do this in the evening so that your feet are clean before you go to bed, keeping your sheets fresh as well as your feet!
2. Exfoliating. The skin on the feet often becomes hardened and exfoliating can help. You can use a pumice stone, foot file or exfoliating mitt to smooth the skin and remove dead skin cells, either while you are in the shower or when giving your feet a wash. Soaking the feet in a foot bath first can help to soften the skin if you have particularly hard areas on the feet, especially around the heels and toes.
3. Drying. It’s essential to dry your feet well after washing in order to keep them healthy. When feet are left damp, especially between the toes, you risk developing Athlete’s Foot, an infection that can be very difficult to cure. Use a soft towel to dry your feet properly, ensuring that you dry carefully between your toes.
4. Cutting toenails. When you have washed and dried your feet, it’s a good opportunity to cut your toenails once a week or so. If they need a trim, you should cut them straight across, preventing ingrown toenails and ensuring they stay neat.
5. Moisturising. Moisturising your feet will help you to avoid dry skin and keep your feet feeling soft and supple. Choose a moisturising cream or oil you like and rub into your feet gently, giving them a quick massage as you do so. This is a great time to give your feet a little TLC, so make the most of it in your daily routine!
6. Daily check. You should check your feet every day to ensure you do not have any areas of damage or any developing problems. If you notice cuts or sore areas on your feet, it is a good idea to treat these as soon as possible and visit a medical professional if you need further help or advice.
7. Good shoes. Wearing good shoes is one of the best ways to protect your feet all year round. It’s important to find shoes that support your feet in all the right places and provide cushioning to prevent foot damage. Shoes that do not give adequate support for the feet can lead to problems such as Morton’s Neuroma, commonly caused by wearing flat shoes such as flip flops with no arch support, and Plantar Fasciitis, often the result of unsupportive training shoes worn by runners. Here at Foot Solutions, we have a great range of shoes including sandals, workwear and formal shoes that combine comfort and style to give you the perfect option for every occasion.
8. Barefoot time. You can ensure that your feet stay healthy by kicking off your shoes when you can and enjoying some barefoot time. This is often easier in the summer when it is warmer and you are wearing sandals. Standing on the ground outdoors with bare feet is a great way to ground yourself and enjoy the many benefits of this process. However, walking barefoot can increase your risk of injuries or trauma to the feet so it is a good idea to wear supportive shoes when you are active.
9. Breathable socks. The socks you wear are almost as important as your shoes and you should ensure that your socks are breathable. Socks made from natural materials such as cotton and wool are ideal because they can wick away sweat and keep your feet comfortable.
10. Exercise. Exercising regularly is a really good way to keep your feet in shape for the summer, as long as you protect your feet properly while you are working out. Walking, swimming and cycling are excellent forms of all-round exercise that are gentle on the feet, and you can undertake any kind of exercise as long as you consider the health of your feet. For instance, running can lead to problems such as plantar fasciitis if your shoes are not supportive enough for the contours of your feet.
11. Eating well. Eating a good balanced diet will help to keep your whole body fit and healthy for the summer. A combination of exercising and eating well will help you to maintain a healthy weight and this can relieve excess pressure on your feet. Being overweight can increase the likelihood of developing foot problems such as bunions and put pressure on the joints and ligaments in the feet. Our experienced team will be happy to discuss your foot health and help you to work out the best options for your lifestyle.
It’s also very important to remember to apply sun screen to your feet to protect them from burning, especially if you are going to be in the sun for extended periods.
Stylish Shoes For Summer Adventures
When you’re planning your summer adventures, don’t forget you’ll need footwear that can keep up with you. Choosing shoes that are designed to protect your feet can help you to avoid injury and trauma and keep your feet in great shape so that they don’t hold you back.
Flip flops are not a good choice for anything more demanding than walking around a swimming pool, as they are just not supportive enough for your feet. Wearing flip flops increases your risk of injuring your feet and puts a great deal of pressure on them as there is no cushioning or support. Instead, we recommend sandals that are contoured to fit your foot and hold it in place as you walk. At Foot Solutions, we have a great range of sandals that are designed to prevent foot problems by keeping your feet stable and protected, and we would love to help you find the best fit for your lifestyle.
When you are exercising or in and out of the water, it’s important to protect your feet by wearing shoes that are suited to your activities. For instance, you can wear protective water shoes or boots in the sea or a swimming pool to protect against injury, and you can choose training shoes that fit your feet well and give you a good level of comfort and support when you are running, playing ball sports or working out.
Visit Foot Solutions To Put Your Feet First
Here at Foot Solutions, we know how important it is to take care of your feet and we will be happy to advise you on any aspect of your foot care routine, including any existing foot pain. We have an excellent range of comfortable, stylish shoes that will help your feet to look and feel great throughout the summer – and all year round. We’re always happy to share our top tips on getting the most from your footwear and keeping your feet in great shape.
Pop in and meet our experienced team to find the perfect shoes for work or sandals to keep your feet in great shape all summer. When you find shoes that give you the right level of comfort and protection, you’ll be amazed by the difference. We will work with you to find a pair of shoes that suits your gait and your lifestyle and we also offer custom orthotics and foot health consultations to help you maintain healthy feet. We can’t wait to see you in store!
