MD Podiatrist Provides Summer Foot Health Advice

Whether you’re working in the yard, lounging at the pool, or taking advantage of the good weather, summer can be tough on your feet. Keeping your feet protected, both when your shoes are on and off, will help you enjoy the season without discomfort, said Dan Michaels, DPM. If you’re kicking off your shoes and socks to hit the pool or lake, remember to protect your feet, both from the sun above and the ground below. “People often forget if they’re at the beach or pool to put sunscreen on the tops of their feet,” Dr. Michaels said. Beware of accidentally burning the bottom of your feet, too.

“People can get burns from walking across hot cement, asphalt, or metal decks and piers,” he said. Dr. Michaels recommends against walking around barefoot due to the risk of stepping on something you can’t see in the grass or underwater that can cut or puncture your foot, like stones, bits of metal or broken glass. It’s also not advisable to go barefoot in public places like shared showers or community pool decks due to the risk of picking up bacteria or fungus on your feet