Summer is Tough on Your Feet

Leonardo da Vinci is quoted, “The human foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art.” Texans could argue with that quote due to extreme heat in the summer. I don’t know about you but the first thing I do whenever I walk into the back door, is take my shoes off.

Summer can take its toll on a person’s feet. There is burning, itching, soreness, etc. Just think about how many times you walk on that hot pavement from your car to the front door of the grocery store or retail store. Of course, we wear shoes but how much do those shoes protect your feet. The preferred shoe this time of the year are flip flops. They keep the feet cool for sure but there are many side effects to wearing flip flops; foot fungus, blister, balance issues, strained or overextended tendons, shooting pains, swelling, etc. And, just think how much protection is there between the bottom of that flip flop and the hot pavement. I absolutely cringe when I see people wearing socks and tennis shoes during the hot summer months. I can’t imagine wearing a sock right now but many people do to protect their feet and to feel comfortable while wearing their tennis shoes. I have noticed the construction workers that are building the new bridge in town, wear thick work boots. I wonder how they manage with those heavy thick shoes on all day long. Their number one priority is to protect their feet but I bet they take those hot shoes off right away when they get home.

Many of us remember as children summertime meant we could go barefoot. But, as we get older, going barefoot doesn’t seem like such a good idea. Yes, it is less prohibiting and a lot cooler, but my feet have gotten tender as I have gotten older. I don’t dare walk outside without shoes especially on a gravel driveway. Walking in the grass is out of the question too due to snakes or stickers. It feels really nice to walk barefoot along the beach letting your feet sink into the wet sand or feeling the coolness of the ocean waves.

Of course, there are always creams, lotions and sprays that can supposedly make the feet feel better. I have found a spray that works wonders on my tired burning feet. It not only cools the feet but it moisturizes too. Epsom Salt is a cure for sore achy feet. Pour warm water into a tub with some Epsom salt and soak those tired achy feet for a while. Once you are done, you will feel relaxed and revived.

Our feet are a beautiful masterpiece but we have to remember that during these hot summer months, they have to be taken care of too. Be sure and wash your feet every day and apply moisturizer afterwards. Wear a more supportive sandal. Keep those toenails clean and trimmed. Indulge yourself in a pedicure every so often. In other words, take care of your feet and they will take care of you.

This may be a cheesy article but you wouldn’t believe how many people suffer from tired burning feet during the summer.