The hot weather has finally arrived – Hooray!! I hear you cheer – It’s great news for getting out and about, but beware, there are several common foot problems that I consistently see over the summer months that need some thought & planning so as not to ruin your Christmas holiday.
Heel Pain – hotter weather means lighter, more open shoes with plenty of opportunities to keep our feet cool e.g. thongs, sandals, ballet flats etc. The flip side of this is these footwear options are much less supportive and provide less protection for our foot particularly our heel.
Solution
Dry Cracked Heels – with open backed shoes & often no shoes around the house our skin dehydrates and can crack and split, especially around the heels. This is particularly painful if the cracks begin to bleed.
Solution
Blisters – the nicer weather means we tend to be more active than we are during the winter months, getting outdoors, attending festivals, playing in the park & taking excursions to the beach. This increased activity puts our feet under more strain than they are used to & ill-fitting shoes can cause the skin to rub or even tear.
Solution
Nail Care – Increased nail exposure during warmer months due to the open footwear we choose, means it’s more likely to develop a fungal nail infection. Other causes are the increased amount of sweat in our shoes and visiting places like public swimming pools.
Solution
Summary
Summer is one of the best times of the year, but make sure you plan ahead to avoid any pitfalls that might make being outdoors and active a painful experience. Footwear, general skin & nail maintenance, and some professional advice will keep you out of the medical rooms and enjoying the sunshine & balmy nights.
Learn more about Ben Holland by visiting http://www.opsmc.com.au/person/ben-holland/