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Summer time is the perfect time to shed those heavy shoes and socks in favor of sandals and flip-flops. However, are your feet really beach ready? Over the months you may have been wearing shoes and socks non-stop, which can lead to corns, calluses and blisters, making your feet and toes less than appealing for a day at the beach. Increased activity levels also heighten your risk of developing problems with your feet and ankles, particularly ankle sprains. Fortunately, there are ways to treat and prevent foot problems to help you put your best foot forward this summer. Corns and Calluses Corns and calluses are protective layers of compacted, thick, dead skin cells. They are caused by repeated friction and pressure from skin rubbing against the bony areas or against an irregularity in your shoe. Corns typically form on the toes, while calluses can be found on the soles or balls of the feet. They can also form when the bones in your feet change because they initially form to provide protection, but as they thicken can become painful and inflamed. When your corn or callus experiences friction or pressure it may cause a painful or burning sensation. Typically, one visit to your podiatrist in Quincy is all that is needed to relieve the pain, although most corns and calluses will reoccur without regular monitoring or changes in either your shoes or your foot function. Your podiatrist can work with you to relieve the pain by using a variety of pads or other materials on the affected areas. It is important to never cut your corns or calluses with any instrument or apply home remedies without the consent of your podiatrist. Ankle Sprains Most of us have experienced an ankle sprain or twist while playing basketball or doing something as simple as stepping off a curb. Sometimes these "twists" can be more serious than we think, requiring immediate attention by your podiatrist. If your ankle becomes swollen, painful, or bruised after you have injured it, you have most likely sprained your ankle. When you sprain your ankle it means you have stretched and possibly torn the ligaments in your ankle. It is important to take immediate action and to call your podiatrist to make arrangements for an evaluation. While playing beach volleyball, tennis or any other sport or activity this summer, if an injury or an accident occurs, the steps you can take to help yourself until you can reach your podiatrist are easy to remember. If you are injured remember the word "RICE." RICE stands for: * Rest - Restrict your activity, and get off your foot/ankle
* Ice - Gently place plastic bag of ice wrapped in a towel on the injured area
* Compression - Lightly wrap an elastic bandage around the area
* Elevation - To reduce swelling and pain A simple visit to your Quincy podiatrist can be all you need to get your feet in shape for summer footwear, as well as keeping your feet healthy throughout these summer months. Wearing proper shoes and protecting your feet while performing in daily activities and sports can also help aide in keeping your feet healthy and happy.
Owned and operated by Dr. Marshall Lukoff, Foot Care Specialists, PC, is committed to treating an array of podiatric problems such as heel pain or foot pain with Quincy orthotics. Dr. Lukoff, podiatrist in Dedham and Quincy, received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine.
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