Summertime is the season where people will go barefoot. There’s no other feeling like walking on soft grass or dipping your feet in the refreshing water in a pool to cool off. However, while you have your shoes off you might also step on hot pavement or sand which isn’t as refreshing. This might not only hurt but can actually result in 3rd degree burns on the soles of you feet. Although, these burns are usually minor, they can result in some discomfort when walking as your feet can be sensitive to the touch.

If you get a minor burn on the bottoms of you feet this Summer, here are some simple and natural ways to sooth the discomfort.

Aloe Vera

Just as it’s used for sunburns on the body, it can be used for sunburns on the feet. Try chilling it in the fridge for some extra cooling effect

Tea Tree and Lavender Oil

Prepare a foot soak with cool water and add about 5 drops of either lavender or tea tree oil for a soothing healing treat.

Try to Stay Off Your Feet

The more you walk, the longer your feet will take to heal. Try to put your feet up and relax and they will heal quicker

Wear Shoes with Cushioning for Comfort

While your feet are healing, try to wear shoes with a bit of cushioning in the insole. The last thing you want is for the bottoms of your feet to be against a hard surface. If you have custom orthotics, that would be even better.

Always Wear Shoes

This one should be obvious and will be helpful in preventing any burns to the soles of your feet in the future.

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Wearing socks in the warmer Spring and Summer months can be tricky. Your feet are already hot and sweaty and you don’t want to choose a pair of socks that exacerbates the issue. Sure you can avoid this problem all together if you wear sandals but sometimes you will need to don a pair of socks, such on days wear you go for a jog or play sports. To keep your feet cool and happy the best socks to choose are those which breathe.

Choosing a pair of breathable socks will ensure that your feet won’t be sitting in wet sweaty surroundings. If feet are trapped in damp conditions, it would lead to some uncomfortable situations. Bacteria and fungi just thrive in damp and warm conditions and you could develop athlete’s foot, fungal toenails, warts, skin rashes or yeast infections.The best breathable socks may not be the ones you make think and may not be the ones in your drawer. It may be time to go shopping for some new socks

Avoid Cotton Socks

This may seem counter-intuitive because we all seem to wear cotton socks in the warmer months. However, although cotton is a cool, soft material, it quickly absorbs sweat and takes a long time to dry out. Therefore, when you are doing physical activities in warm weather, your feet will be in damp conditions and cotton rubs to create blisters. Instead of buying 100% cotton socks, look for socks with a lower percentage of cotton.

Get Lightweight Socks

To keep your feet cool during summer when the tend to perspire more, go with a lightweight, thinner sock.Some lightweight socks have extra cushioning built into the heel and ball of the foot to provide additional comfort.

Choose Wool Socks

What?? Wear wool socks in the summer? Amazingly, wool fibres keep you warm when it’s cold and keep you cool when it’s warm. Wool fibres perform a process of evaporative cooling where they pull moisture off your skin and move it through to the surface of the fabric where it can evaporate quicker. Merino wool is the most ideal choice and also has superior odor control capabilities. Choose one that is combined with synthetics for the best fit and moisture control
Using these tips will keep your feet healthy, comfortable and happy this summer.

Contact us if you have any foot issues.

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Summer is just around the corner which means it’s time for pretty summer sandals and shoes. While you may be excited to bare your newly manicured tootsies this also means that your feet will be more vulnerable because they won’t be as protected as they are in the colder months. Here’s how you can protect your feet in the Summer while still having fun and looking stylish!

Your Feet Need Sunscreen Too

While many people use sunscreen they often forget to also put it on their feet. Skin on the feet can be especially sensitive because they are not often exposed to the elements and can sunburn and blister quite easily. Be sure to select a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays.

Wear Shoes with Proper Support

People tend to bare more during the Summer for both clothing and footwear. Shoes and boots are traded in for sandals and flip flops. While these shoes are more comfortable in hot weather they usually don’t provide much foot support and could lead to gait, joint and back problems. Shoes without cushioning puts added pressure to your back with every step you take. They can also cause cracked heel skin and calluses. Try to select airy summer shoes that offer adequate ventilation but also provide support and cushion with comfortable fitting straps.

Keep Feet Clean and Dry

Bacteria and fungus thrive in damp, warm conditions so the additional perspiration in hot weather produces the ideal environment for bacteria to multiply quickly. Research has shown that your feet may come in contact with as many as 18,000 different types of bacteria after just a few days. This includes germs found in fecal matter, saliva and on skin, including Staphylococcus aureus, which can enter your bloodstream through a cut and cause very serious consequences.

If your feet stay moist for long, you risk skin problems on the sole of the foot and in between toes that can cause callouses. Be sure to leave shoes outside the home and wash feet with soap every day. A daily scrub with a pumice and some moisturizing cream will keep feet hydrated and soft.

Don’t Go Barefoot

Going barefoot exposes your feet to  a mountain of risks. There are physical risks such as foreign objects, dirt, uneven surfaces and hot pavement/sand. There are also thousands of types of bacteria which could lead to a host of health issues. Minimize or eliminate barefoot time but if you do be sure to thoroughly clean and moisturize your feet afterwards.

Stay Hydrated

Summer heat and dehydration can lead to ankle and foot swelling. Aim to carry water with you at all times, particularly if the weather is very hot, and drink often (even if you aren’t thirsty). If you do end up with swollen feet soak your feet for 15 minutes in ice water to reduce it.  You may also want to take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory, such as ibuprofen, to further reduce swelling.

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