Summer Sports and Your Feet - Swimming, Camping, Tennis

Summer is a great time to be active and play sports.  The weather is nice and gives you the opportunity to take your activities outside.  However, you should take extra precaution with your feet when you are outdoors. 

If you head to the pool to swim some laps, or just relax, don't neglect your feet.  It is very important to apply sunscreen to your feet when outdoors,  the skin on your feet is just as susceptible to melanoma as the rest of your body.  You may also want to invest in some water shoes are take a pair of sandals to wear around the pools.  Pools are warm, moist areas; perfect for fungus and bacteria to grow.  Wearing shoes on your feet at the public pool will protect you from developing fungal nails, warts, cuts and other infections.

You should also protect your feet and ankles from insect bites when outside.  Hiking, camping, and canoeing all expose your feet to insects like mosquitoes and ticks that can be harmful to your health.  Wear shoes and socks and apply bug spray along with your sunscreen to avoid potential problems that could be caused by an insect bite.

Tennis is a classic summer sport.  Don't neglect your feet! Common tennis injuries include ankle sprains, stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, and tennis toe. If you experience recurring or persistent pain, please contact our office for an evaluation.
The best way to prevent foot injuries from tennis is to make sure you condition yourself. This includes building all-around body strength and flexibility; stretching the muscles (particularly in your calves) before, during and after play; drinking lots of water; and wearing the right shoes.

Tennis shoes need lots of cushioning and shock absorption to deal with all the forces placed on your feet during play and to keep your foot and ankle stable. Be sure to choose shoes specifically for racquet sports; running shoes, for example, don't have the support needed for the side-to-side movements common to tennis. Look for a tennis shoes that have a reinforced toe, wiggle room in the toe box, padding at the ball of the foot, sturdy sides, a low, well-cushioned heel that is not flared, and a firm heel counter for support.

If you experience any problems with your feet and ankles as a result of your summer sports, don't hesitate to contact our office to schedule an appointment.  Call us at 419-423-1888 or visit our website to request an appointment.  The sooner your feet feel better, the sooner you will be back in the game!