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Spring and summer are right around the corner, which means you’ll likely be putting your boots away and breaking out the sandals and wedges. After months of dry weather and being confined in socks, your feet may not be ready for the sunshine. Proper foot care is important year-round, but it’s especially crucial when getting ready for summer.

How to Prepare Your Feet for the Heat

1. Moisturize

As you age, your feet lose moisture and natural oils, which can lead to dry, cracked skin. By moisturizing every night with lotions or petroleum jelly, you can keep your skin moist, allowing it to regenerate and heal. Perform this foot care every night, and your feet will be on their way to becoming smooth and beautiful.

2. Trim Your Nails the Right Way

foot careThe American Podiatric Medical Association suggests that you clip your toenails straight across rather than rounding them out. When you cut nails at an angle, you run the risk of ingrown toenails, which can become infected and be painful to treat.

If you have been dealing with an ingrown toenail, make sure you get it treated and the infection is gone before you wear open-toed shoes and expose your feet to dirt and debris. Talk to a podiatrist if your foot is red or swelling by the toenails.

3. Wear the Right Sandal or Flip-Flop

Your sandals and flip-flops should not have soles that bend easily. Avoid flimsy sandals that lack support. If your summer footwear digs into your skin or feels uncomfortable, don’t wear it anymore.

Instead, invest in proper foot care and footwear by purchasing a pair of leather sandals that have traction on the bottom and arch support. Go up a size if your toes or heels hang off the edges.

4. Apply Sunscreen

When visiting the pool or beach or spending any time outdoors with bare feet, rub them down with sunscreen that protects your skin from harmful UV rays. Concentrate the protection on the tops of your feet and front of the ankles where the skin is thinner and burns easily.

 

Proper foot care doesn’t mean just getting a pedicure and calling it a day. If you want to take care of your feet, it’s time to see podiatrist Eric R. Tepper, DPM, in Sugar Land, TX. Dr. Tepper’s office has been serving patients and treating foot problems since 1983. He offers a variety of treatment options for patients of any age. If you’ve sustained foot or ankle trauma or are looking to treat your diabetic infections, call his office at (281) 980-3668. You can also find more treatment resources online.

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