Walking Around A Lot This Summer? Here Are 4 Things You Need To Do To Protect Your Foot Health


Posted by Dr. Scott Wilson | 24-Jul-2017

Summer is approaching, and with warmer weather comes more physical activity. Getting out and walking is a favorite activity in the summertime. But the hot weather and increased time on your feet can lead to unwanted issues.

If you’re walking around a lot this summer, here are 4 things you need to do to protect your foot health.

    1. Choose the Right Footwear With the Right Fit
      Many people develop problems during the summer as a result of wearing the wrong footwear.

      Many people develop strains of the heels and arches because they overlook the importance of wearing the right shoes. Worse yet, many don’t feel the need to invest in high-quality footwear that can protect them from injuries.

      Choose shoes that provide the proper arch support for your feet. Footwear that features the right heel cup and padding gives your feet the support they need to cover long distances.

    2. Reduce the Risk of Infections
      Summer heat can present risks related to infections. Hot weather can make your feet even hotter inside your shoes. This encourages the overgrowth of bacteria and can lead to a fungal infection.

      You should change your socks regularly when walking in the summer. When socks become moist due to sweat, fungal infections can arise. Walking barefoot in public places can also present a risk for infections and should be avoided whenever possible.

      Keep your feet clean and carry an extra pair of socks when walking for long distances. It’s also important to keep your toenails trimmed and practice basic hygiene for your feet.

    3. Prevent Injuries With Stretching
      Keeping the joints of the feet and ankles flexible is a great way to prevent injuries and chronic aches and pains. Muscle tightness restricts movement of the joints and creates compensations that lead to stress on the knees, hips, and lower back.

      Stretching your calf muscles and using a ball underneath the arches to release tight muscles and fascia are just some of the ways you can maintain mobility in the feet.

    4. Avoid Wearing New Shoes on Long Walks
      A new pair of shoes may give you the support you need to walk long distances in the summer. But they can also cause problems if they aren’t broken in properly.

      When purchasing a new pair of shoes, wear them for a short period of time before gradually increasing the time you spend walking in them.

      New shoes can cause blisters and sores to form. But if you choose the right shoes, ones that provide a comfortable fit that’s right for your feet, you may not need to break them in at all.

      Your physiotherapist can help you choose the right footwear and provide instructions on how to break them in when necessary.

These 4 tips protect your foot health when walking in the summertime. Chronic pain from the wrong footwear and increased risk of infection are just some of the issues you should be aware of.

Putting these steps in place will keep your feet healthy all season long so that you can get the most out of your summer activities.


Dr. Scott Wilson

Dr. Scott Wilson is the Founder & Chairman of Physiomed; one of Canada’s largest franchised networks of inter-disciplinary healthcare clinics. A graduate of Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Dr. Wilson founded Physiomed in 1994 and has since grown Physiomed to over 30 clinics in Southern Ontario and British Columbia. With hundreds of practitioners from over a dozen disciplines, Dr. Wilson and Physiomed have helped over 100,000 Canadians with physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage therapy, orthotic therapy, compression therapy and clinical conditioning as part of a program of rehabilitation and health optimization. In addition to helping patients improve their physical and mental well-being, Dr. Wilson has also mentored hundreds of practitioners to provide better care while enjoying more fulfilling careers. He is also a keynote speaker on many health related topics including how physiotherapy, chiropractic and health & wellness treatment can help with stress, weight loss, and unlocking the true potential within to achieve lasting physical well-being.

Top Blogs

Mar 15
lower-back-pain-dysfunction-imbalances-physiotherapy

Lower Back Pain: Movement, Imbalances & Physiot...

Lower back pain is a common health concern that affects…

Read More
Mar 01
weight-loss-body-composition

Weight Loss: Understanding Body Composition...

When it comes to weight loss, many people focus solely…

Read More
Feb 15
stress-management-physiotherapy

Stress Management: Can Physiotherapy Help?...

Stress has become an increasingly common and often overwhelming experience…

Read More
Feb 01
sciatica-symptoms-causes-treatments

Sciatica Pain: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Option...

Sciatica pain is a common complaint that affects many people…

Read More
Jan 15
aging-back-pain-physiotherapy

Aging and Back Pain: How Physiotherapy Can Help...

One of the most common challenges we face as we…

Read More
Jan 01
nutrition-weight-loss

Nutrition for Weight Loss: How to Burn Fat and Build...

Every January, many of us resolve to improve our health…

Read More

Ready to Get Started?

Book Your
APPOINTMENT

Get Healthier... Stay Healthier!