Key ways to ensure healthy feet this summer

Avoid New Sandal Scandal

When the better weather arrives, we’re often tempted to buy a new pair of sandals to treat our feet. Ensure that your sandals fit well the moment you buy them and if they need to be ‘broken in’, then they may not be right for your feet after all. Look for straps made from softer materials; like soft leather, suede or soft fabric to minimise any potential rubbing spots. I always advise people to wear their new sandals around the house for at least an hour before wearing them outdoors. Think of it as a test drive for a new car! This way, you can know that they fit well and if they need returned to the shoe store you bought them from, then it’s still possible.

Drop the Flip Flops

Flip flops are not to be worn as an all-day shoe covering, it’s not what they were intended for! Flip flops were designed to be worn for shorter periods of time around the pool and at the beach but nowadays as soon as the warmer weather arrives, many people can be seen sporting these all around town and they have become something of a fashion statement. In my practice, I have had a number of patients who have developed stress fractures, heel pain, Achilles tendonitis and also cause toes to curl up excessively as they try to grip for stability during walking. If you are going to wear flip flops, try and find a pair with a thicker sole and a shaped arch support. If you can find a pair with a strap at the back of the heel, it will provide more support.

Sack the Cracked Heels

Dry, cracked heels are a common problem when open backed shoes have been worn for a few weeks. This happens because the fat pad of the heel can sometimes spread and sit on the edge of the sandal, causing the heel to crack. To help cracked heels, rub the heels dry with a foot file then follow that with a freshening foot soak in a basin of warm water and some Epsom salts which also hydrate the skin. Finally, apply a good foot specific moisturiser. I don’t believe in covering the feet in a pair of socks unless they are a proper pair of cotton moisturising cotton socks

Beware of Barefoot

Having spent months being shoved in shoes and covered up in socks and tights, most of us can’t wait to bare our feet as the weather gets better. However, going barefoot can leave you more prone to picking up nasties such as viruses (think verruca) or fungus (think athlete’s foot). You leave yourself open to more injury, stepping on foreign bodies and getting splinters in your feet. It’s better to wear a pair of soft, lightweight, indoor slippers just for safety and this is especially applicable if you have diabetes as you can leave yourself susceptible to wounds that may not heal due to compromised circulation in diabetes.

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