Protect Your Feet To Enjoy the Heat
The most common foot injuries in the summer occur due to lack of shoes.
Key Takeaways
- The most common foot injuries in the summertime are related to a lack of proper footwear, particularly sandals and flip-flops.
- Common foot injuries during summer include foot lacerations, puncture wounds, toe sprains, fractures, and burns, which can result in long-term issues such as plantar fasciitis.
- To avoid foot injuries during summer, it’s important to wear proper footwear, avoid running around in bare feet, watch out for potential hazards such as glass or sharp objects, and wear protective athletic shoes during sports activities.
I am a person who would choose to live my entire life in flip-flops, if at all possible. OK, I lied. The truth is I would go barefoot if it were socially acceptable. Alas, it is not. But flip-flops are the next best thing. The second the weather warms up at all, they are for sure my footwear of choice.
As the seasons change and the sun stays out longer, millions of people substitute their boots and close-toed shoes for options that cover less and expose more. Sandals, open-toed heels, and anything that leaves the toes free to take in the sun is more preferred by any standard. But with this freedom comes more risk, as the most common foot injuries in the summertime are related to a lack of proper footwear.
This is true with adults and children alike. They both go out and attempt things in bare feet that they remember doing in the colder months wearing sneakers. But the most common foot injuries in summer occur due to a lack of shoes, and these injuries can also lead to longer-term issues such as plantar fasciitis.
Top 5 Most Common Foot Injuries
Foot Lacerations
Cuts are more likely to happen when running around in bare feet. Watch out for shards of glass or that hidden sprinkler head!
Puncture Wounds
These can be especially painful and dangerous. One wrong step and a thumb tack or nail will get the best of your poor exposed foot.
Toe Sprains
I have been called one of the most klutzy people ever to walk the earth, so I am especially prone to these. This is also referred to as stubbing your toe, so be aware of your surroundings. Also, when moving heavy objects, wear close-toed shoes to prevent accidental toe-stubbing.
Fractures
Probably one of the most common foot injuries, fractures can be a result of summer sports activities. Volleyball, soccer, and even capture-the-flag can result in a toe fracture. These are painful and take a while to heal, so wear protective athletic shoes if possible.
Burns
This refers to all burns, below and above the foot. Getting too close to a campfire, walking on hot pavement or sand, and even sunburns on top of the foot are extremely painful. So remember to slather the sunscreen on top of the foot when lathering the rest of your body. And again, wear appropriate footwear! (Flip-flops work great on beaches, waterparks, and areas with pools!)
Summer can be great fun for everyone. Don’t ruin it by dealing with a common foot injury. Be good to your feet, and they’ll take you everywhere you want to go.
Are your shoes looking a little haggard? KURU can help by outfitting you with the perfect pair of shoes for your summer adventures! Try out a pair, and then share your summer stories with us!
