Taking Care of Your Feet in the Summer

Doing too many summer activities can cause your feet to feel tired, achy, and swollen. However, wearing the wrong size of shoes, tight shoes, or not enough support can cause foot issues in any season. Taking care of your feet in the summer is beneficial for preventing blisters and infections. Be careful going barefoot when using public swimming pools. Also, walking too much in the pool can make your feet more prone to plantar warts. 

Plantar warts on your feet are common when swimming barefoot in warm waters. Additionally, the HPV virus causes warts which can be present in public community showers or in your shower at home. These warts can be found on the underside of your toes. Furthermore, plantar warts can be found on the ball and heel of the foot. Therefore, it is recommended to examine your feet for plantar warts, blisters, or for any cuts. 

To prevent plantar warts when you are swimming, you can wear rubber swimming shoes in and outside of the pool. Another tip is to hire a professional to clean your swimming pool at home. Dry your feet immediately after swimming even if you wear rubber swimming shoes. Inspect between your toes. Plantar warts are small and rough when touched. 

Do not touch your warts because they can spread to other areas on the skin. Consult with your primary doctor for removing the plantar warts or other warts. Walking barefoot with plantar warts on the underside of your toes can be painful especially if the warts burst open. Wear rubber gloves and apply a thin layer of antibiotics on the area. Then cover it with band aids. 

Always get your feet examined by your primary doctor especially if the plantar warts burst open, there is bleeding, and pus. Another common issue during the summer season is getting a sunburn on your feet. It is recommended to wear sunscreen on top of your feet and on your ankles. If you do get a sunburn, soak your feet in chilly water and dry your feet. Apply Aloe Vera or Peppermint lotion in the sunburn areas. 

Essential oils and carrier oils can also be applied on a sunburn. Some essential oils are Tea Tree Oil, Lavender, Geranium, Eucalyptus, and Peppermint essential oil. These essential oils can be blended with Sunflower, Coconut, Jojoba, Olive, or Avocado oil. Keep your sunburned feet away from the sun. Wear thin socks so the essential oil can get absorbed.

Last taking care of tired feet in the summer with a cold compress. Practice mindfulness when you are soaking your feet. Begin with chilly water. Apply essential oils and Epsom salt to your feet. Feel the texture and the cooling sensation of the essential oils with the Epsom salts. 

Move your feet back and forth while sitting and having your feet in a bucket of water. Slowly move your feet and practice breathing exercises. Dry your feet. Massage your feet using a massage foot roller or massage ball on the foot. Meditate while you are doing your foot massage. 

Apply lotion or oil and massage your feet slowly. After ten minutes put on your thin socks and massage your feet with your socks on. Practice Yoga for balance, flexibility, and pain relief for your feet. Yoga poses such as the Thunderbolt Pose, Big Toe Pose, Hero's pose, and Legs up on the Wall might help prevent achy feet. Consult with a podiatrist before doing Yoga for achy feet. 

Elevate your feet and practice positive affirmations. Massage your feet before going to sleep. Do counting meditation while massaging your feet. If you are pregnant consult with your primary doctor before getting a foot massage. Here are resources for taking care of your feet in the summer. 

 

Skin Problems and Treatments-Understanding Plantar Warts Prevention: 

Skin Problems and Treatments-Understanding Plantar Warts Prevention

Summer Foot Care-Women's Health:

Summer Foot Care-Women's Health

Sore Feet Remedies:

Sore Feet Remedies

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