Many people like to go barefoot in the summer months, whether it’s in the grass or on the beach. Going barefoot does leave your feet vulnerable to potential injuries and infections. Wearing shoes is the best way to protect your feet. If you just can’t stand the idea of a summer without sand in your toes, TheAmerican College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons recommends you follow these tips to protect yourself while going barefoot:
- If you get a puncture wound, see your Podiatrist within 24 hours. –These injuries can cause foreign objects to embed deep into the foot. The wounds must be cleaned and monitored properly by your Podiatrist, Dr. Kovac,to avoid complications such as infections or damage to the muscles or tendons.
- Make sure you are vaccinated against Tetanus. —According to experts, teens and adults should receive a booster shot every 10 years.
- Apply sunscreen all over the foot. —This helps protect against deadly skin cancers from developing on your feet.
- Inspect your feet and your children’s feet routinely for skin problems such as moles, warts, calluses, spots, or freckles. —The sooner a problem is detected, the easier it is for Dr. Kovac to treat it!
- Always wear sandals or flip flops around swimming pools, beaches, and locker rooms. —This helpsprevent contact with bacteria and viruses that can cause athlete’s foot, plantar warts, and other foot problems.
- Use Common Sense. —Always wear shoes when mowing the lawn, in murky water, around fires or fireworks, or if you have Diabetes.
Contact Dr. Kovac if you are experiencing any foot or ankle issues. He can help you get back on your feet, barefoot or not!
Content provided by the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
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