It’s Barefoot Season: Here’s What You Should Know About Keeping Your Feet Safe This Summer

Barefoot season is here, and while we enjoy having our toes in the sand and sun, let’s not forget that our feet need to be protected while we have fun. Kingstree Podiatrist Dr. Michelle L. Butterworth is here with tips on keeping your feet in tip-top shape all summer long.

First Things First

● Wear sunscreen. Make sure you apply sunscreen to your feet, as they can get sunburned as well as the rest of your body.
● Don’t go barefoot too much. Limit walking barefoot as it exposes your feet to fungus, which lurks in public pool areas and can lead to athlete's foot and fungal toenails. Walking barefoot also exposes your feet to bacteria, which can lead to infections and viruses and, subsequently, warts.
● Wear moisturizer. Walking barefoot and even wearing backless shoes, such as slides and flip-flops, can dry your feet out, leading to cracking heels, so be sure to apply moisturizer every day.

Rethink Sandals and Flat Shoes

Summer vacations are often filled with a lot of walking and activities, which can add stress to your feet. Although flip flops are easy, and sandals are cool and dressy, be sure they have good arch support and shock absorption. Flat shoes and walking barefoot can often lead to heel and arch pain. If this type of pain begins, there is usually inflammation in your feet. You should rest your feet and apply ice to the painful areas. If the pain persists, contact your podiatrist.

Corns and Calluses

Corns and calluses are another common foot problem. They usually result from pressure points in your feet and/or rubbing in your shoes. Do not use anything sharp to try to trim these, as this can result in cuts that can become infected. Exfoliating creams may be helpful, along with the use of a pumice stone. Padding can also be used but do not use the medicated pads if you are a diabetic patient.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails can result from improper trimming and can lead to serious infection if left untreated. Remember to always cut your toenails straight across and avoid rounding the corners.

If the side of a toenail becomes painful, soaking the toe in Epsom salts and applying a topical antibiotic cream can often help. If the pain does not resolve or if redness, swelling, and drainage are present, these are signs of infection, and you should contact a podiatric physician for further care.

Diabetic? Don’t Go Barefoot.

Diabetics have to be especially mindful of their feet. Diabetes can result in poor circulation and/or loss of feeling in the feet, a condition called neuropathy.

Since many diabetics do not have normal sensation in their feet, it is very important never to walk barefoot. This will help avoid injuries like stepping on sharp objects.

Diabetics should also check their feet every day, including the bottoms of their feet and in between their toes. A mirror can help with this. If you notice any sores or redness, or anything unusual, seek medical attention right away. Delayed treatment of wounds and infections can often result in amputation.

Finally, foot pain that doesn’t go away is not normal. If you have injured your foot or ankle, or if you have pain that does not go away, this needs to be evaluated. The sooner treatment can be started, typically, the faster the pain goes away.

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Dr. Michelle Butterworth is board-certified in foot surgery, reconstructive rearfoot, and ankle surgery. To schedule an appointment or for more information, please call MUSC Health – Podiatry – Kingstree at 843-355-0255.