April is National Foot Health Awareness Month and South Georgia Medical Center encourages residents to examine their foot care routine and implement strategies to keep their feet healthy. American Podiatric Medical Association provides these tips for healthy feet as the summer heat approaches and vacations come around: Limit walking barefoot as it exposes feet to sunburn, as well as plantar warts, athlete’s foot, ringworm, and other infections and also increases risk of injury to your feet.
Wear shoes or flip-flops around the pool, to the beach, in the locker room and even on the carpeting or in the bathroom of your hotel room to prevent injuries and limit the likelihood of contracting any bacterial infections. Remember to apply sunscreen all over your feet, especially the tops and fronts of ankles, and don’t forget to reapply after you’ve been in the water. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
Drinking water will not only help with overall health, but will also minimize any foot swelling caused by the heat. Keep blood flowing with periodic ankle flexes, toe wiggles, and calf stretches. If you injure your foot or ankle while on vacation, seek professional medical attention from a podiatric physician. Many often only contact a doctor when something is broken or sprained, but a podiatrist can begin treating your ailment immediately while you’re away from home.
