10 Tips to Keep Feet Woundless All Summer Long

Ahh.. Summer. Long hot days enjoying too much sun, sand between the toes, and the delicious benefits of outdoor cooking. The laid-back vibes in these months are not the easiest to create when trying to thwart off a wound from coming on. Actually, the patients most at risk of developing a chronic wound are dealing with a strong undertow of conditions, like diabetes, and that can be a real buzz kill when it comes to summer fun.

“If you have any underlying condition, like Diabetes, you need to be vigilant about foot care while participating in summer activities” said Dr. David Gustavison, Medical Director at The Covenant Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine Center. “Any hot-spots or areas of concern appear on your feet during the summer months, contact your care team immediately, preventative care is always the number one priority.”

Luckily, the surf is still up for those patients, just with some extra precautions. Before paddling out to the horizon, use the below tips for a solid tow-in to a Woundless Summer:

1. Don’t Walk Outside Barefoot
   Broken glass, rocks, trash, or debris can perforate the skin and cause infection. Walking on hot sidewalks or sand can quickly cause blisters or burns on the feet.
2. Always Wear Properly Fitted Shoes
   If needed, ask your physician about special diabetic shoes, custom inserts and socks to keep your feet healthy while you remain active.
3. Mindful of Campfires
   Be mindful of sitting too close to campfires, feet and legs can easily burn if not monitored. Especially those with neuropathy.
4. Examine Feet Daily
   Examine the tops and bottoms of your feet each day and keep your toenails clipped straight across and filed.
5. Stay Hydrated
   This may help with foot swelling from heat or exercise and improve circulation.
6. Monitor Blood Glucose
   Proper levels of blood glucose, A1C labs, consume a healthy diet, and use medication as prescribed.
7. Dry Your Feet
   Feet that have been submerged in water for too long become susceptible to skin tears and blisters. Take “dry-out” breaks when spending time in the water this summer.
8. Avoid Fireworks
   Avoid lighting fireworks, their sparks and explosions can be unpredictable, causing a serious burn.
9. Check your Flip Flops
   Debris can easily get stuck between your sandal and foot while wearing flip-flops. Check them often or avoid wearing them.
10. Monitor Food and Alcohol
    Fatty foods and alcohol cause inflammation in the body, and make the skin more susceptible to breaking down.

For a Woundless Summer to never end, practice prevention and always be prepared for the day ahead.

The Covenant Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine Center specializes in the healing of chronic wounds. Our team is specially trained in treating wounds that have resisted healing after weeks or months of traditional treatment. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 989.583.4401.

“Packing for the journey was important. Six pairs of trunks, two boxes of wax, some modern sounds, and in case of injury, one Band-Aid.” - Endless Summer (1965)

But maybe throw in an extra Band-Aid or two!