We are getting used to heatwaves occurring in the UK. While the temperatures are not expected to be as high as the previous heatwave in late-June, it is predicted to last longer.
The heat can be uncomfortable and lead to health issues if you’re not careful. Below, experts at Gentle Grip have partnered with Dr Helen Branthwaite, Chief Clinical Advisor at the Royal College of Podiatry to warn over the common mistakes we make in the heat that could be damaging our feet.
The advice comes in line with research from Gentle Grip who surveyed 1,000 Brits and found over half (68%) of respondents admitted they are self-conscious about their feet in summer.
Nearly half (49%) admitted that concern over their feet has affected their holiday or summer plans with the top implications revealed as avoiding wearing sandals (18%), feeling less confident (17%) and avoiding the beach, pool or spa (14%).*
To help prevent issues and boost confidence about your feet, Gentle Grip spoke with Dr Helen Branthwaite to share the five mistakes to never make in summer:
- Not rotating footwear
Dr Branthwaite says: “The feet will sweat up to half a pint per day and this is absorbed by the socks and the shoe lining. Teamed with body heat, it creates a warm and damp environment which is perfect for bacteria and fungi to thrive. To avoid this, ideally footwear should have 24-48 hours to dry out in between wears.
“While athletes’ foot and fungal infections are caused by contagious skin infections, which is most easily spread by walking barefoot in communal areas such as changing rooms, the warm and moist conditions inside footwear can help an existing infection thrive. It can also make the skin more moist, making the foot more vulnerable to contracting the infection when it does come into contact with it.”
- Not wearing socks with shoes
“Shoe odour can be common when footwear has not been able to fully dry out. If you notice a strong odour from the inside of your shoes, look at charcoal based moisture absorption products to draw the moisture out of the shoes and consider changing your socks throughout the day.
“If you are not wearing socks with your shoes, this may be the source of the odour as the socks offer a way for your sweat to be wicked away from the surface of your skin and the shoe.”
- Wearing tight shoes in the heat
“Your feet will usually expand in the heat, so if your shoes are already a poor fit then this can further exacerbate the pressure and rubbing on your feet causing blisters, ingrown toenails, corns and calluses.
“Ideally your footwear should accommodate the shape of your foot, it should have enough space for your toes to not be compressed while you are standing and have a way of staying on your foot around the ankle and across the top of your foot.”
- Wearing flip flops and sliders all summer
“Flip flops and sliders will often come out of the wardrobe over summer however they are not suitable for longer walks or lots of activity. Similarly, slip on shoes with no arch support require you to claw your toes to keep them on and can increase the chance of injuries.
“Instead, aim for a sandal that has a strap across the middle of the foot and around the ankle along with a sole that offers some arch support. If you intend on wearing the shoe for more than a few minutes of activity at a time, look for a sole that offers some shock absorption from the ground too.”
- Forgetting to check your feet daily for issues
“Checking your feet daily for changes or areas of concern is a great way to prioritise your foot health. You should speak to your podiatrist if you notice any changes to the shape or colour of your feet, the way that they feel, the temperature of them or the texture of your skin.”
Photo by Letícia Alvares: https://www.pexels.com/photo/barefoot-woman-walking-on-sunlit-beach-sand-35846223/
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