With summer in full swing, many are traveling to the beautiful beaches of South Carolina. While time at the beach is great for fun and relaxation, it can pose risks to your foot health. Hot sand can lead to contracting beach feet, and sharp objects hidden in the water can cause cuts and infections. Before embarking on your next beach trip, keep these tips in mind to keep your foot health a top priority.

Our podiatrists at Physicians Footcare, the premier podiatry practice in South Carolina and Georgia, have gathered expert advice to help you keep your feet healthy and happy during your beach days this summer.

1. How to Protect Your Feet from Sunburn

Did you know your feet are highly susceptible to sunburn, but they are often overlooked when applying sunscreen? Sunburned feet cause foot pain and can increase the risk of skin cancer. Here’s how to protect them:

• Apply Sunscreen: Most importantly, always wear sunscreen when at the beach. Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 for maximum protection. Make sure to cover all parts of your feet and reapply every two hours.
• Wear Protective Footwear: When you’re not swimming, wear beach shoes like sandals as often as possible to protect your feet from direct sunlight.

2. Stay Hydrated for Better Foot Health

Hydration at the beach is crucial as sitting out in the sun without drinking water can be physically exhausting. Hydration can benefit your foot health as well. Be sure to drink plenty of water at the beach to avoid foot cramps and muscle spasms. Without proper hydration, foot pain can occur, leading to these conditions. Speak to your foot doctor to discuss how much water you should be drinking when out in the sun.

3. Choose Proper Footwear for Beach Safety

It may be tempting to go barefoot or wear flimsy flip-flops at the beach, but it's important to choose the right footwear to promote foot health.

• Water Shoes: Sturdy water shoes can protect your feet from hot sands, sharp objects, and slippery surfaces. They also provide traction when walking on wet surfaces.
• Supportive Sandals: Flip-flops have little arch support. Instead, opt for a more sturdy sandal with supportive soles. This will help prevent foot pain when walking on the beach. Contact your podiatry office about what supportive shoes they recommend.
• Avoid Going Barefoot: Most importantly, avoid going barefoot to prevent foot pain caused by burns, cuts from hidden sharp objects, and infections.

4. Prioritize Foot Hygiene at the Beach

Bacteria thrive in the beach environment, meaning it's crucial to prioritize your foot hygiene after a long day at the beach. Follow these steps recommended by our podiatrists to keep your feet clean at the beach.

• Rinse and Dry Your Feet Thoroughly: After swimming, rinse your feet to wash off all the sand and saltwater. Dry your feet thoroughly to prevent foot pain caused by conditions like athlete's foot or fungal infections.
• Trim Your Toenails: When at the beach, regularly trim your toenails to prevent ingrown toenails and infections.
• Moisturize: After a beach day, moisturize your feet to avoid dry and cracking feet.

If you have any previous foot pain conditions or diabetes, be sure to follow your podiatrist's recommendations on foot hygiene.

5. Rest and Foot Stretches for Beach Days

Long beach walks and active beach activities can cause stress on the muscles and tendons in your feet. Keeping your feet strong and flexible can help prevent injuries. Incorporate these simple exercises our foot doctors recommend into your beach day:

• Toe Curls: Improve flexibility in your feet by curling your toes and stretching them back out repeatedly.
• Foot Stretches: After a long beach day, do various foot stretches to promote flexibility and recovery.

Rest is just as important as stretching. Podiatrists recommend taking breaks every so often from beach activities to give your feet a rest.

6. Bring a First Aid Kit for Foot Injuries

Foot pain and injuries are common at the beach, so it’s best to bring a first aid kit for your feet to treat injuries. Your kit should include:

• Antiseptic wipes
• Bandages and blister pads
• Tweezers (for removing splinters)
• Small scissors
• Antibiotic ointment

Keep Your Feet Healthy with South Carolina’s Premier Podiatry Practice

Remember, beach days should be fun and relaxing, but keeping your foot health in mind and following your foot doctor’s tips will help you stay healthy. Following these tips from South Carolina podiatrists, you can enjoy a fun beach day without foot pain or injuries.

At Physicians Footcare, we believe South Carolina beach days should be fun and foot-pain-free. We have offices across South Carolina and Georgia, providing you with podiatry care. Schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists here.