Walking, Running, and Summer Tips for Healthy Feet
Dan Michaels, DPM, knows that the summer months bring a lot of foot and ankle problems with them. Whether it’s barefoot running, sunburned skin, or something else, we know that fun outdoors often comes at a podiatric cost!
Reconstructive Foot and Ankle Institute is here to help with some patient education. Keep reading to learn what you can do to stay fresh and fit throughout the season.
Summer Solutions
Below are a few straightforward tips from Dr. Michaels himself on the subject of summer safety.
- “If you are outside where you need to protect your skin with sunscreen, don’t forget your feet. If you are barefoot or wearing sandals that expose the tops of your feet, they can get burned more easily than you would imagine. It is easy to forget that the tops of your feet need protecting just as much as the rest of your body.”
- “Walking barefoot on a lush lawn or damp sand can be a delight. But skipping supportive shoes for long periods of time can put you at risk for plantar fasciitis. And people with diabetes should never go barefoot. Instead, they should keep their feet protected to reduce the risk of cuts and scrapes, which can lead to complications.”
- “If you experience heel pain, especially in the morning when you first get up, you may want to rethink those bare feet. Choosing appropriate shoes to wear in the house or on the beach are important steps for healthy feet.”
From leisurely beach strolls to adventurous mountain hikes, our feet and ankles also bear the brunt of various seasonal elements and activities, which can occasionally lead to injuries.
- These foot and ankle injuries can vary from sprains, strains, and fractures to skin injuries that can have serious consequences.
- What’s more, people with complex medical issues may be more susceptible to severe conditions that can lead to limb- and life-threatening situations.
Runs in the Sun
If you constantly find yourself developing blisters, sores, or even shin splints after a long run or walk, the main culprit is friction.
- “When the skin repeatedly rubs against a surface, such as shoes or socks, this creates heat, which causes the outer layer of skin to separate from the underlying layers,” explains Dr. Michaels. “The body responds by filling this space with fluid, creating a protective cushion to prevent further damage and promote healing.”
In other words, you get a blister.
Some runners and walkers also suffer from shin splints, which result in pain around the shin.
- “Shin splints happen when the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue around the shin get overworked and stressed,” Dr Michaels says. “This is common after a long walk or run, especially if people have increased their activity level too quickly.”
- There are innovative, non-invasive methods for dealing with this kind of pain, so scheduling an appointment is the first step toward swift recovery.
When in doubt, check in at the Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Institute to experience our comprehensive podiatric services for yourself.
Call us at 301-797-8554 or contact us to schedule an appointment! Located in Hagerstown & Frederick, MD, we’re ready to meet any of your foot health needs. Don’t forget Dr. Michaels’s motto:
“If it’s below the knee, think of me!”