By Anna Ferguson

It happens every year. With the onset of open-toed sandals, mile-high wedges and obligatory barefoot excursions, the warm months of summer aren’t exactly the kindest days to feet.

“In the summer, there are several problems that keep me in business,” said Dr. Courtney Bordenkecher, a podiatrist with Allied Ankle and Foot Care in Lawrenceville. “Sandals expose feet to more elements and people are more active, leading to more injuries. You also see a lot of people walking around barefoot and in flip-flops, which are the most common issues.”

Flip-flop flops With flimsy soles and practically no support, flip-flops “should pretty much just be thrown out,” Bordenkecher said. Strained arches and cracked heels are ubiquitous conditions linked to the thin summer shoe. Wearers have to work to keep the shoes on, clinging to the thong between the toes, which can lead to foot deformities and extra foot stress, Bordenkecher said. “I say, just don’t wear them,” she said.

Just because flip-flops are a no-no doesn’t mean sandals are out altogether, though.
“You can definitely wear open-toed shoes, sure,” Bordenkecher said. “Just not flip-flops.”
Bordenkecher recommends sandals with a back closure and formed-fitted soles, such as shoes from Aravon. The shoe company uses a comfort performance system based on proper fit, support and cushioning. The system is designed to help keep feet, ankles, knees and legs feeling comfortable all day. Available in a variety of casual and dressy styles, Aravon’s are sold at area shoe stores and online at www.aravon shoes.com.

Pedicure cautions
Once you’ve picked the perfect pair of sandals, it seems only natural to doll up your on-display toes. Before treating yourself to a pedicure, though, make sure your salon is sanitary.
Use caution when having your feet soaked, Bordenkecher said, as it can lead to the spread of infections and fungus. Ask spa employees if they steam and sterilize their instruments after each use.
“If not, bring your own,” she said.
The newly opened 10Ten nail bar at the Natural Body Spa at The Avenue Webb Ginn prides itself on following the highest sanitary standards in the industry. 10Ten offers jet-free tubs that are cleaned and sanitized with a hospital-grade disinfectant, and tools sterilized in an autoclave system. The nail files, buffers and orange wood sticks used during the pedicure become the property of guests to take home, or keep at the salon in individually sealed packages for future visits.
Visit www.natural body.com.

Barefoot frets
It may be tempting when the sun hits high noon and temperatures reach the upper 90s, but going barefoot should never be an option. Walking with feet in the nude leaves them susceptible to a number of ailments.
Fungal infections can be picked up easily when you walk barefoot, leading to conditions such as itchy athlete’s foot. While creams and pills are available to cure the condition, “it’s better to avoid it altogether,” Bordenkecher said.
It’s much easier to bang or stub toes on hard surfaces when you’re not wearing shoes, and these incidents often cause ingrown toenails, another condition Bordenkecher sees steadily in summer months.
“If you should get an in-grown toenail, do not try to cut it out yourself,” she added. “You need to see a doctor. If you try to fix it yourself, it will only get worse.”

Weekend Warriors
Of course, don’t forget Bordenkecher’s favorite summer client: the Weekend Warrior. A nickname used throughout the podiatry industry, Weekend Warriors are people who overdo their day-off activities, whether it’s with intense yard work or too much horsing around.
“Weekend Warriors come in with strained ankles and shin splints and all kinds of hurting muscles,” she said.
The best way to avoid becoming a Weekend Warrior is to wear shoes with ample support systems and “stretch, stretch, stretch,” Bordenkecher said.
“Once the weather gets nice, everyone wants to be outside,” she said. “But they forget that they’ve been inside all winter. Make sure you wear the right shoes and warm up before doing any intense work or play.”


ToeTips
Be it summer or winter, spring or fall, feet take the brunt of it all. Keep your feet healthy with these tips from the American Podiatric Medical Association.

1. Don’t ignore foot pain, it isn’t normal. If pain persists, see a podiatric physician.
2. Inspect your feet regularly. Note changes in color and temperature, thickness or discoloration of nails, and cracks or cuts in the skin. Peeling or scaling on the soles could indicate athlete’s foot. Any growth on the foot is not considered normal.
3. Wash your feet regularly, especially between the toes, and be sure to dry them completely.
4. Trim toenails straight across, but not too short. Be careful not to cut nails in corners or on the sides; it can lead to ingrown toenails. People with diabetes, poor circulation or heart problems are more prone to infection and should not treat their own feet.
5. Make sure that your shoes fit properly. Replace worn-out shoes as soon as possible, and try on new shoes later in the day when feet tend to be at their largest.
6. Select and wear the right shoe for your activity, such as running shoes for running.
7. Don’t wear the same pair of shoes every day; alternate them.
8. Avoid walking barefoot. Your feet are more prone to injury and infection when walking barefoot. When at the beach or wearing sandals, remember to use sunscreen on your feet as well as the rest of your body.
9. Use home remedies cautiously. Self-treatment often turns a minor injury into a major foot problem.
10. If you have diabetes, it is essential that you see a podiatric physician at least once a year for a thorough check-up.
Source: American Podiatric Medical Association, www.apma.org.