When we think of summers, we think of fun activities, outdoor workouts, water sports, open shoes and more. But have you ever considered how all these pleasures expose our feet to numerous hazards and harms?

At Joseph Stuto, DPM we advise everyone to exercise care and precaution before indulging in any adventures.

Here are a few risks to remain mindful of:

• Fungal infections: Summer fun comprises mostly of water sports like swimming, sailing, etc. At the same time, bacteria thrive in moist places and are likely to cause infections like fungal toenails, athlete’s foot, and other skin infections. Using antiseptic soaps and wearing closed shoes in public places are good deterrents.
• Cuts and wounds: Outdoor activities may entail being barefoot, exposing your feet to cuts by sharp or pointed objects, insect bites, etc. If left unattended, the injuries may become infected, causing pain and killing your summer spirits. In such cases, it is necessary to clean your wound and seek medical assistance for proper treatment.
• Sprains and fractures: When energy levels are high, one may tend to overexert while exercising without realizing that it could harm your ankles and feet. Some common results in such situations include ankle twists, sprains, and stress fractures. Starting slowly and then gradually increasing the intensity of exercise routines is safer and saner.
• Arch and heel pain: While sports require appropriate footwear, most people tend to give their feet a break every day by wearing open shoes like flip-flops. These airy shoes provide the least support to your arches, leading to excessive stress on the heels. Choosing shoes with better support and stronger grip will eliminate such pains.

If you encounter pain in your feet, or you feel that your injuries are not healing, we urge you to get in touch with our board-certified podiatrist Dr. Joseph Stuto and avail yourself of a full array of podiatric services. Visit our offices conveniently located in Brooklyn Heights and Brooklyn or you can reach us at (718) 624-7537 to schedule your appointment right away.