Keep Feet and Ankles Healthy This Summer
Many My Chicago Foot Expert patients are continuing to enjoy the warm weather by spending time outside. Are you among them? Time outdoors is one of summer’s pleasures, but it does come with some risks. It’s important to take active steps to keep feet, ankles, and your whole body safe and well. Here are some tips from podiatrist Dr. Stavros O. Alexopoulos to help you:
- Always drink plenty of water before, during, and after working out. Staying well-hydrated is essential to preventing foot cramps.
- Dress appropriately. Wear lightweight clothing that wicks moisture but protects you from the sun.
- Manage your expectations. Avoid exercising in the hottest part of the day. Take a break when you need to. Seek shade.
- Wear sandals on pool decks and in other places where people walk barefoot. The barrier they create will reduce your risk of plantar warts and other infections.
- Headed to the beach? Use sunscreen to prevent skin cancers. Apply a high-SPF product. Be sure to include your feet, even between the toes, and reapply often, especially after sweating or swimming.
- Summer is a time of barbecues, ice cream cones, and cocktails on the deck. Enjoy these delights in moderation, especially if you have diabetes. Focus on whole grains, lean protein, and vegetables. Save those high-calorie, high-sugar treats for special occasions or, even better, avoid them entirely to keep blood glucose levels steady.
- It’s fun to wear sandals, but bunions and hammertoes can be embarrassing and can make those open shoes uncomfortable. Talk to your podiatrist about treatment options.
- Fungus thrives in warm, damp environments. Be sure to spray sweaty, damp shoes with an antimicrobial product to reduce the risk of athlete’s foot and other infections. If you have more than one pair of exercise shoes, rotate them so that they have time to air out.
- Arthritis doesn’t know what month it is. If your podiatrist has prescribed medication for arthritis pain, be sure to take it as directed. Do you have custom orthotics for cushioning and support? Continue using them regardless of the season.
Keep feet, ankles, and lower legs feeling great all year round. Call the friendly My Chicago Foot Expert staff at (773) 561-8100 or click here to schedule an appointment with Cook County podiatrist Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM in our modern, comfortable Ravenswood office today.
