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Practical Advice for Taking Care of Your Feet This Summer

Summer is prime time for trips to the beach, afternoons by the poolside and long walks in the park. Although these seasonal pastimes are relaxing and fun, they can take a toll on your feet. Read this practical advice on how to take care of your feet, whether you’re at the beach, the pool or anywhere else:

 

On the Beach

When dressing for the beach, you will probably grab a pair of flip flops. They’re breezy, quick to slip on and they’re easy to clean. And, if they break, you can always buy a new pair for under $10. The problem is that they’re terrible for your feet.

 

One of the many reasons why flip flops are bad for your feet is that the unsupported design forces you to strain your muscles to walk. You have to grip the material with your toes so the sole lifts with each step. Repeating this motion will hurt your feet and encourage hammer toe.

 

You should get some orthopedic sandals this summer to replace your cheap pairs of flip flops that are slowly hurting your toes, your feet, your hips and your lower back. The right sandals will be just as low-maintenance as flip flops, but they will have proper arch support, cushioning and grip. Feet First Clinic has an impressive collection of sandals from brands like Fitflop, Birkenstock and NAOT.

 

When you’re wearing sandals, remember to slather on some sunscreen on your feet. Reapply every two hours or directly after you go swimming, even if you’ve chosen a water-resistant formula.

 

Putting sunscreen on your feet will do more than save you from awkward sunburns. It will protect you from contracting foot melanoma — this is a rare but severe type of skin cancer, especially because it can spread unnoticed. If you have moles on your feet, keep an eye on them to see whether they change color, size, shape or appearance in any way.

At the Pool

If you’re going to go swimming at the community pool, you need to bring a pair of pool shoes or shower shoes. People will be walking barefoot on the ground, leaving sweat, dirt and germs behind. Bacteria thrive in moist areas, which means the poolside, the public showers and the locker room will be hot spots for infections like athlete’s foot or plantar warts.

 

If you think you’re suffering from an infection, you should contact a foot specialist today for professional diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan. People living with diabetes or weakened immune systems should make the appointment right away for the sake of their well-being.

 

Everywhere Else

Ballet flats, flat sneakers and unsupportive shoes are popular for this season. Choosing these shoes for everyday-wear will inevitably result in discomfort. If you’re tired of foot pain, treat your feet right this summer by getting custom orthotic inserts or by choosing stylish orthopaedic shoes to wear all day long.

 

A bad sunburn on your feet will force you to leave the beach early so that you can soothe them with Aloe Vera and cold packs. Athlete’s foot will make you regret your trip to the pool and prevent you from swimming until it’s gone. Foot strain will encourage you to cut your walk short. Taking better care of your feet will make sure your summer plans don’t get sidetracked.  

 

 

Everything You Need for Healthy Feet - All Under One Roof

At Feet First Clinic, we’re always excited to welcome new clients! We’re Toronto’s one-stop-shop for all your foot-related needs. For 15 years, our staff and licensed chiropodists have been helping people with their feet. From foot care to foot pain to foot products – we do it all! Give us a call to ask our friendly staff any questions you may have! Our Toronto foot specialists are ready to help!

Call us at 416-769-3338 or Book Your Assessment Today!

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Carolina Charles

Patient Relation Coordinator (She/Her)

If you’ve been to the clinic before, chances are you had the pleasure of meeting Carolina! Carolina’s daily goal is going above and beyond to make sure patients are always completely satisfied. Having worked in the podiatry industry for 22 years, Carolina brings a wealth of knowledge pertaining to client service, insurance policies, and procedures.​ She steers the ship to make sure everything runs smoothly on the daily. Carolina is known for spicing up every outfit with her signature costume jewellery.