It’s summertime and that means relaxing days and fun activities with family and friends. But at Sound Foot Care Center of Connecticut, we know that summer also comes with its own set of foot issues. Below are some of the more common warm weather foot problems and how to deal with them:

Problem: Smelly feet—with over 250,000 sweat glands in a pair of feet, it’s no wonder that summer heat makes for some stinky feet.

Solution: Did you know, however, that it’s not actually the sweat that smells? It’s when sweat mixes with bacteria that a foul odor occurs. To prevent foot odor, wash feet daily and change socks frequently if you tend to sweat excessively. Use foot powder to help keep feet dry and try not to wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row.

Problem: Ankle sprains—running along the shore and volleyball on the beach are two favorite summer activities but the sand “gives” in a way that pavement does not and this can spell trouble for wobbly ankles.

Solution: Be sure to wear shoes that support your ankles and will help keep them from twisting. This goes for hiking and playing summer sports as well. Always wear the proper footwear for the activity you are doing.

Problem: Sunburn— the risk of skin cancer on your feet is greatly increased if you leave them unprotected against the sun’s rays.

Solution: Apply sunscreen to the tops and bottoms of your feet when at the beach, pool or lake and even when you are out for a day of running errands (if you are wearing open sandals). Don’t forget to reapply after swimming.

Problem: Swelling—at the end of a long, hot day you may experience swelling of the feet and ankles. Solution: Help minimize swelling by drinking lots of water to help wash fluids out of your body.

Problem: Blisters—sweat can increase friction between feet and footwear.

Solution: Look for socks designed to wick moisture away from your feet. If a spot on your skin begins to feel irritated, cover with mole skin and switch to a different pair of shoes.

If these simple solutions fail to take care of your Summer Foot Problems, be sure to make an appointment to see Dr. Harris Greenberger in our Norwalk office by calling: 203-866-7686.

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