Whether your idea of summer fun involves lolling on the beach for hours on end, playing a game of sand volleyball or heading out on a cross country hike, keeping your feet well-protected for the season can ensure you enjoy a healthy and memorable one. Foot pain and injuries to the feet can make it hard to keep up with your summer agenda, but there are ways to exercise some ‘foot rx’ this season.
If you don’t want to deal with the nuisance and pain of blisters, calluses or even a bad case of athlete’s foot this year, keep those feet happy with these foot care basics:
1. Wear light socks.
It’s easy to go barefoot during the summer season, but you do need to protect those soles and feet from infection and tissue damage when you’re outside. Wear light acrylic fiber socks and dust them with baby powder to keep feet dry and you can still enjoy the feeling of walking on ground level.
2. Don’t wear the same shoes everyday.
Giving your shoes a chance to air out over at least 48 hours will also prevent infection and keep your feet flexible and supple throughout the season. Wearing the same shoes day in and day out will put pressure on some parts of your feet and will make other parts much weaker. Wear the right fit and rotate your shoe closet regularly for maximum comfort and good feet hygiene.
3. Stretch!
If you’re going to be sitting in a plane, car or train for long periods of time, make sure there’s enough blood circulating to your feet and legs. Get up and walk around for a few minutes, do some ankle rotations to stretch out your lower calves and feet and flex your toes regularly. A short stretching routine throughout the day will work wonders.
4. Watch your diet.
Eating an unhealthy diet can contribute to yeast overgrowth, diabetes or hormonal imbalances that make you more vulnerable to infection and muscle pain.
5. Enjoy a foot bath at least once per week.
Reduce stress and tension in your feet and lower legs with a foot soak that helps improve circulation and soften up tight muscles. A foot bath made with Epsom salts or soothing essential oils is a great way to pamper your feet after a busy week of activities.