Treat your Feet Right this Summer
This is a writing sample from Scripted writer Terri Mitchell
Summer can be tough on your feet. Going barefoot, longer days, strappy sandals, and sandy beaches can wreak havoc and cause chronic foot pain, which merits an appointment with your podiatrist.
Treat your feet right this summer with the following tips:
Wear the Right Size
Summer weather tends to make feet swell which can make your shoes tighter than usual. When shoes don't fit right, the body will attempt to compensate which creates imbalance and misalignment of the spine. The result is often soreness along the sides of the body up to the arms and shoulders; prevent this discomfort by upsizing footwear a half-size (or more) accordingly.
Avoid Certain Shoes
There is some footwear that should simply be avoided, especially when you are on your feet for prolonged periods. Skip the urge to wear flip flops in summer weather as these provide no support and may cause undue strain and pain. A recent survey found that around 40% of women wear high heels daily, despite the fact that they throw off your body’s center of gravity and put much more stress on your joints.
Protect your Toes
If you spend time at the beach, make sure that you protect your feet with water or beach shoes whether swimming or walking in the sand. Sure, walking in the sand barefoot is nice, but remember that it is easy to underestimate the heat of the sand and burn the soles of your feet; experts estimate that on a hot 90-degree day, the sand can reach 120-degrees, which can inflict second and third degree burns.
Soak Swollen Feet
Soaking your feet in water with Epsom salt can improve your circulation and decrease swelling. Epsom salt also helps to get rid of the smell of stinky feet- and is very inexpensive. It is suggested that you soak feet for 10-20 minutes, using warm water with about ½ cup of Epsom salt added. You may also try following a warm soak (five minutes or more) with a plunge in a tub of cold water (a minute or so) to alleviate sore or tired feet.
If you experience chronic swollen feet and ankles, see your medical provider. Swelling in the extremities often can be a sign of edema, which may be indicative of a serious, underlying health issue.
Get Rid of Stinky Feet
Choose shoes that are comprised of natural materials and that allow your feet to breathe, to prevent smelly feet in warm weather. The best choices in shoes and socks that prevent sweaty feet are natural fibers, like leather, cotton, wool, silk, and hemp. Consider adding cotton liners to shoes that are made from synthetic materials to increase breathability.
Give them a Rinse
Soaking your feet in salty sea water can be therapeutic for healing cuts or blisters, but always rinse your feet well with fresh water after wading, swimming, or soaking. Rinsing rids your feet of any bacteria that could be lurking in bodies of both salt and fresh water, including lakes, rivers, and even public pools! Make sure to dry your feet well after, especially between your toes, to prevent any chance of fungal infection, like athlete’s foot.
Don’t Skip Socks
When you are going out and about this summer season, don’t skip socks. Wear or bring along clean, cotton socks for cool comfort that is absorbent and that allows your feet to breathe. Take a break from sandals and pair your favorite tennis shoes with organic cotton socks during warm weather; also, give tired feet a boost with a quick slather of peppermint infused foot lotion.
Use these tips to treat your feet right this summer- and all year long. Reevaluate the shoes that you wear and visit a podiatrist if you are having foot issues or experiencing pain.
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