4 Foot Care Tips for the Beach
Whether it’s a summer vacation or a weekend getaway, who doesn’t love a trip to the beach – especially here in California! As with any vacation or getaway, one of the most difficult parts is planning! We’re here to help you at least plan for one thing: beach foot care! Follow these four tips to help keep your feet safe and happy during your beach trip.
1. Remember to sunscreen your feet!
We never seem to forget to apply sunscreen to our faces, shoulders, and backs, but studies show that the part we forget most is our feet! Did you know that your feet are just as susceptible to melanoma and other forms of skin cancer as the rest of your body?
When you wear shoes that leave you open to the elements, like flip-flops and sandals, or if you opt out of shoes completely (more on that later!), your feet are exposed to harmful ultraviolet rays. If you forget to sunscreen them, they’re especially vulnerable. Luckily, the chance of skin cancer can be reduced by remembering your sunscreen on your feet!
2. Don’t go barefoot!
A nice long walk on the beach is in many peoples’ top five most relaxing things to do. It’s also a great form of exercise – the beach’s soft sandy surface forces you to exert more effort to walk, strengthening your lower muscles and burning calories. But before you start that stroll, make sure you have proper footwear.
Walking barefoot for a long time on soft surfaces like sand extends your foot’s range of motion further than normal. This overextension can lead to muscle pain, heel sprains, arch pain, or plantar fasciitis. Wearing shoes can also prevent foot burns from hot sand.
Flimsy sandals are almost as bad as wearing no shoes at all. Aim for sturdy, comfortable sandals that offer your foot some support. If you have flat feet, ask your podiatrist about custom-made orthotics that can offer additional support.
3. Moisturize your feet!
Between the extra sun exposure, salty ocean water, and the sand, the beach can really dry out your feet! If your feet get too dry, they could crack and bleed, which could eventually turn into an infection if left untreated. Here’s some tips on how to keep your feet healthy and moisturized after a beach trip:
Soak your feet in epsom salt and warm water
Lightly scrub your feet with a gentle exfoliating pad or pumice stone
After drying your feet thoroughly, apply thick moisturizing lotion before you go to bed
4. Protect any open wounds on your feet!
A seashell’s jagged, broken glass, or any other sharp object commonly found at the beach could easily slice open an unprotected foot and ruin a good beach day. Avoiding cuts on your feet is important at the beach because sand and ocean water can quickly lead to infections. If you have a wound on your foot – or anywhere on your body – keep it clear from the water. This is especially important if you are one of our diabetic patients. A cut or wound could lead to infection or ulcers.
Want to make sure your feet are sea ready? Our podiatrists at Precision Foot and Ankle Centers are here to help. Whether you have questions about potential risks or have existing injuries, they can provide effective, compassionate care. Contact us to schedule an appointment at any of our locations in Los Angeles, Torrance, or San Pedro today!