It’s summer in Arizona and it can get hot here.  Whether you are sitting pool side, escaping up north to the mountains or visiting beaches in California to escape the heat, your foot health is so important.  We have some tips on how to keep your feet safe and healthy.

Wearing proper shoes – finding the right pair of shoes is important for overall foot health.  While flips flops might be an easy shoe to put on while running errands, they are not the most supportive shoes and only worn on a limited basis.  Shoes should have proper arch support and a sole that is not too flexible to supply the proper support.  If you can fold your shoe in half, it probably isn’t supplying the optimal support to your foot.  Also, find shoes that provide adequate ventilation and airflow to help reduce the temperatures inside the shoe.

Wearing the right pair of socks – Your feet have 250,000 sweat glands and with our heat, your feet might get sweaty.   Some easy advice - remember to change and wash your socks.   Find a pair of socks that can wick away moisture such as a cotton-polyester or synthetic  blend.  By doing these simple measures you can prevent any type of fungal infections such as athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) or toenail infections such as toenail fungus (onychomycosis) from happening.

Proper foot hygiene – we can’t stress enough that washing and drying your feet every day is important.  Make sure that you pay particular attention in between the toes and around the toenails. After washing them, it is important to be sure that they are properly dried. Applying a moisturizing cream or lotion can also be helpful in preventing painful cracks and fissures. 

Preventing fungal infection and sweaty feet – most complaints during the summer center around “smelly” feet and athlete’s foot.  One helpful advice is to apply a topical antifungal or an over-the-counter foot powder to your feet to prevent these issues.  Powders can help in diminishing foul odor and moisture in your shoes.  If you think you have an infection, like toenail fungus or even athlete’s foot, topical antifungals might not be effective, and you might need an oral prescription from your podiatrist.

Limit your time walking barefoot – whether inside your home or outside by the pool, remember to have sandals, pool shoes, or even flip flops to put on your feet.  Walking barefoot can increase your chances of getting sunburn, plantar warts, athlete’s foot or even risk injury to your feet.

Sunscreen – remember to apply sunscreen all over your feet.  Apply on the tops and front of ankles and reapply after you have been in the water.

As a reminder, if you or someone you know has any type of foot problem, please consider making an appointment with Dr. Margaret Withrow or Dr. Dylan Kaumaya at Roadrunner Foot and Ankle in Peoria,, Arizona.  We want to wish you and your family a healthy, and safe summer!