Step into Summer with Healthy Feet

Millions of Americans are ditching the heavy footwear of winter months in favor of sandals, slings, and free-wheeling flip-flops. And with the sudden emergence of all these twinkling toes, the issue of foot health comes to the forefront. The American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry (ABMSP) urges people of all ages to pay special attention to their feet this summer, and to take preventive steps that will head off injuries, ailments, and discomfort.

Focus on Footwear

Bare feet are a big no-no for healthy hoofs, podiatrists warn, no matter how temptingly warm the weather. Going shoeless increases the risks for a wide range of foot woes, from lacerations, sunburns, and insect bites to serious injuries or fractures. Bare feet can also be magnets for fungus, viruses, or bacteria. Skimpy sandals and flip-flops, though convenient and readily available, are not much better than bare feet. These flimsy shoes offer little protection, and their lack of support can actually contribute to metatarsalgia, which is pain and inflammation in the metatarsal region of the foot.

“You have to ride on good tires,” said Kenneth B. Rehm, D.P.M., Diplomate of the ABMSP. “Just because it’s summer does not mean we can throw out the need for proper footwear. Seek good shoes that are well ventilated but that are orthotically-designed to prevent pressure on the foot. An ABMPS-certified podiatrist can help you find warm-weather shoes that look good, feel comfortable, and maintain healthy support for your feet.”

Feed Your Feet

Proper nutrition and hydration are a must to keep feet healthy during hot summer months, say podiatrists. High temperatures can cause foot swelling, and some foods—particularly those high in salt, sugar, or processed additives—can aggravate the problem. Be sure to drink plenty of water and to eat whole, healthful foods to avoid bloated feet.

Be an Opportunist

All the open-air foot time that summer brings can offer a surprising benefit: summer is a great time to visually inspect your feet and to watch for signs and symptoms that may be indicators of an underlying problem. Rehm says summer is a great time for patients—particularly those who are diabetic or pre-diabetic—to get into the habit of careful daily inspection of the feet. Watch for skin abnormalities, swelling, discoloration, toenail problems, or any other symptom that might signal an underlying condition. And once this healthy habit of visual inspection has commenced during the summer months, he says, patients should commit to continuing their vigilance even when the cooler temperatures approach and socks come back out of the drawer.

“Everyone has a responsibility to pay strict attention to their own bodies to ensure optimum health,” Rehm said. “And this attention must not overlook the foot. The feet are attached to the rest of the body, and often they are excellent messengers about the health of the entire person. Summer’s a great time to stop, look, and listen to what our feet are telling us.”

Source: American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry

The American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry was originally organized by podiatrists for the purpose of granting board certification to office-based and ambulatory foot surgeons. The Board offers certification to qualified podiatrists in all areas of podiatric practice: Primary Care in Podiatric Medicine; Foot and Ankle Surgery, both in a hospital setting and in outpatient facilities; Prevention and Treatment of Diabetic Foot Wounds and Foot Wear; and Limb Preservation and Salvage. The Board’s certification examinations have been approved for reimbursement by the VA as an educational benefit for eligible veterans.