While we’re all looking forward to some fun in the sun during the summer, going to the beach can be dangerous for our feet. It’s not the most exciting thing to think about, we know. But it’s better to be safe than sorry, right?
It may be tempting to enter the sand barefoot as soon as you get to the beach. Many people quickly learn that’s not a smart move because the sand can be scorching hot and result in foot blisters. Try to at least keep your shoes on until you have determined the temperature of the sand to prevent injury.
You extend your range of motion beyond what is typically possible when you walk for long distances barefoot on soft surfaces like sand. This may result in plantar fasciitis, heel sprains, muscle pain, and pain in the arch. The soles of your feet can avoid being scorched by hot sand by wearing shoes at the beach.
Below are some of the practical things you can do to prevent yourself from getting burns or cuts while enjoying your beach trip or even water sports:
1. Have supportive footwear
One of the most frequently disregarded safety measures while at the beach is this. You run a high risk of twisting your bare feet if you intend to play volleyball or run in the sand. Flip-flops don’t count, and it’s not safe at all to engage in strenuous activity without any kind of foot support because you run the risk of developing plantar fasciitis, sprains, and other injuries.
At the very least, replace your flip flops with more durable sandals, and if at all possible, wear appropriate footwear. You will be glad you did! Don’t let sore feet ruin your beach day. On your walk, avoid wearing flimsy sandals or flip-flops and aim for more supportive footwear. Consider having custom-made orthotics made if you have flat feet for more foot support and pain relief.
2. Clean your feet before wearing shoes again
After a fun day at the beach, when you’re prepared to head home, don’t forget to give your feet a good cleaning before putting on socks or shoes. Sand particles wedged between your feet and shoes will rub against your skin, which can cause blisters and sores in addition to being uncomfortable. In addition, you don’t want sand to get tangled in your nails or between your toes, which is another issue. You might not realize how quickly and severely an infection can spread.
3. Have adequate foot protection in the water
Wearing sturdy water shoes is essential if you intend to go paddling. The possibility of being cut or bruised by aquatic animals or even sharp objects in the water is very high. It is best to stay out of the water entirely if you have any cuts on your feet already because you run the risk of getting an infection.
4. Put sunscreen on your feet
We usually remember to apply sunscreen to our face, arms, and legs, but we frequently forget to do so on our feet. Our feet and ears are the body parts that receive the least amount of sunscreen protection.
However, did you know that your feet are equally prone to developing melanoma and other types of skin cancer as the rest of your body? Wearing skin-baring footwear, such as flip-flops and sandals, exposes the tops of your feet to the sun’s dangerous ultraviolet rays. Your feet are especially susceptible to serious and occasionally fatal skin cancers if you don’t wear enough sunscreen. Fortunately, by remembering to apply sunscreen to both the tops and bottoms of your feet, you can lower your risk of developing skin cancer.
5. Protect your feet from shells and debris
Finding shells at the beach is a popular summertime pastime. However, the same shells that you put in your beach bucket can pierce the skin of unprotected feet. Protecting your feet from seashells, shards of glass, and other sharp objects is one of the most crucial foot safety advice for beachgoers. It’s critical to prevent cuts and scrapes on your feet because exposure to sand and ocean water can result in infections. Try to avoid going into the water if you do have an open wound on your foot to avoid infection.
6. Keep sand out of shoes
Try to keep sand out of your closed-toe shoes if you wear them to the beach. Even though you might not be able to avoid every single particle, the rough bits can irritate your skin as you move. Blisters, sores, and scratches may result from this.
7. Prevent swollen feet by drinking more water
A beach vacation could result in heat edema (swollen ankles and feet). Your blood vessels enlarge as a result of your body temperature rising in hot weather. Gravity causes fluids to be drawn down toward your feet as a result. Swelling may be more common in those with diabetes and other circulatory disorders.
Additionally, people who aren’t used to high temperatures or who reside in colder climates may develop heat edema. Swollen feet at the beach might occasionally be unavoidable. There are, however, a few things you can do to reduce it to a minimum. We advise bringing a lot of water and staying hydrated all day long. Avoid foods that are high in sodium as well. And try to spend as much time in the shade as you can to avoid getting too hot.
8. For peeling feet, try home remedies
Even when you are diligent about using SPF, sunburns still occur. In spite of your best efforts to avoid excessive sun exposure, you should be prepared to treat a burn at home. The Oceanside is full of a variety of harsh elements that can cause peeling skin, including heat, wind, salt, dry air, humidity, and scratchy particles. There are a few things you can try if your feet start to peel after spending time at the beach:
- To soften the skin on your feet, soak them in a warm footbath for 20 to 30 minutes. Then, massage the skin with a mild exfoliating scrub.
- Put your feet in a warm bath with a tablespoon of olive oil and a half cup of epsom salt.
- Put two parts water and one part apple cider vinegar in a footbath and soak your feet.
- Put on socks right away after moisturizing your feet with a heavy moisturizer two or more times per day.
Conclusion
The ocean has many appealing qualities. We think that spending a day off relaxing in the sun, strolling through the sand, and dipping our toes into the cool seawater is the ideal way to spend a day off. However, the same elements that make you feel so good while at the beach can also hurt your feet. Hence, it is important to follow these tips to further protect your feet at the beach.
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