Are your feet ready for the summer? \u00a0From participating in outdoor activities to showing off your toes during sandal season, you want your feet to look and feel good. \u00a0If you have neglected your feet until now, I’ve put together a list of foot care tips to help you confidently bare your soles in comfort.<\/p>\n
10 WAYS TO GET SUMMER READY FEET<\/strong><\/p>\n 1. Exfoliate & Moisturize Dry Skin.<\/span> \u00a0Getting soft supple skin requires the outer layer of dead skin to be removed and the remaining skin moisturized. \u00a0File away hardened skin and\/or use an over-the counter cream that contains urea or lactic acid. Prescription urea and lactic acid creams are available for more severe skin.<\/p>\n 2. \u00a0Protect Skin From Heat. \u00a0<\/span>Don’t forget to put sun screen on the tops of your feet. \u00a0When walking on hot sand at the beach, be sure to wear flip-flops or sandals. \u00a0People with neuropathy (loss of feeling in the feet) can get a sunburn that can lead to a serious foot infection.<\/p>\n 3. \u00a0Stop Sweaty Feet.<\/span> \u00a0If your feet tend to sweat excessively, try an over-the-counter antiperspirant spray on your feet. \u00a0Keeping them clean and dry will prevent odor causing bacteria and fungus from growing. \u00a0Wear open shoes to help air-out the feet. \u00a0If shoes do get wet from perspiration, let them dry out a day or two before wearing them again. \u00a0Foot products are also available to sanitize shoes.<\/p>\n 4. \u00a0Wear The Right Shoes.<\/span> \u00a0Flip-flops and sandals are good at protecting our feet at the beach or pool. But, if you are going to spend a lot of time walking, make sure you wear supportive shoes to avoid developing arch and heel pain. \u00a0I recommend alternating shoe types to avoid foot injury by continually exercising different areas of the foot. \u00a0If you wear flip-flops one day, switch to wearing sneakers or a casual shoe with an arch support next time.<\/p>\n 5. \u00a0Know Pedicure Safety.<\/span> \u00a0It is okay to get a pedicure as long as the salon practices good sterilization techniques. \u00a0I suggest scheduling your pedicure first thing in the morning when foot baths are at their cleanest. \u00a0Avoid shaving 24 hours before. \u00a0Tiny cuts in the skin can become infected if exposed to harmful bacteria.<\/p>\n 6. \u00a0Prevent Ingrown Toenails.<\/span> \u00a0The most common cause of a painful ingrown toenail is improper nail cutting. \u00a0Be sure to cut your toenail straight across and file the corners with an emery board. \u00a0Leave them long enough to see the corners of the nail but not too long where it hits the front of the shoe which can lead to a bruised toenail. \u00a0Persistent ingrowing nails may need to be surgically removed to prevent regrowth.<\/p>\n 7. \u00a0Smooth Corns & Calluses.\u00a0 At pressure points in the feet, y<\/span><\/span>our body \u00a0will develop thickened skin called calluses (under the feet) and corns (tops and between toes). \u00a0If these get too thick, they can lead to pain. \u00a0Use a pumice stone to gently file them down. \u00a0Instead of a back-and-forth sawing motion, file in one direction to avoid tearing the skin.<\/p>\n 8. \u00a0Clear Athlete’s Foot.<\/span> \u00a0Persistent flaky, dry skin may actually be a fungal skin infection. \u00a0Left untreated, it can spread to the toenails. \u00a0If your athlete’s foot problem does not improve with over-the-counter treatments, a prescription cream or oral medication is required.\u00a0 Reinfection is very common, so try your best to keep feet clean and dry.<\/p>\n 9. \u00a0Treat Fungal Toenails.<\/span>\u00a0 A toenail fungus infection is one of the most difficult body infection to cure. \u00a0Fungal nail treatments can take up to a year to treat due to the time it takes for toenails to grow. \u00a0So it is best to start treating the infection now in order to have healthier looking toenails next summer.<\/p>\n 10. \u00a0See a Podiatrist.<\/span>\u00a0 Most foot problems are successfully treated when seen by a doctor right away. \u00a0People with diabetes, poor circulation, and loss of feeling in the feet are at a higher risk for serious foot complications. If you are not sure about the risk status of your feet, it is best to schedule a foot exam before performing self care.<\/p>\n If you live in the Tuscaloosa, Alabama area and need a podiatrist, I will be more than happy to see you any time of the year. \u00a0Just call my office at (205) 409-0175 to schedule an appointment. \u00a0My podiatry office also has quality foot care products available for purchase with no appointment necessary. \u00a0Take a look at our Foot Products Page<\/a> or stop by during office hours.\u00a0 Have a good summer!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Are your feet ready for the summer? \u00a0From participating in outdoor activities to showing off your toes during sandal season, you want your feet to look and feel good. \u00a0If you have neglected your feet until now, I’ve put together a list of foot care tips to help you confidently bare your soles in comfort. 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