Ask The Experts: How To Get Your Feet Ready For Summer

Lockdown’s almost over and summer has finally arrived, so it’s time to head to the beach and say goodbye to those ankle boots...

To find out how to get our feet summer-ready, I spoke to Dr Alaa Razak, a podiatrist for CP Medical Clinic. We discussed the best ways to keep our feet healthy and happy for the summer and all year round.

If the shoe fits 

Dr Razak says ‘absolutely’ to a pair of laced-up trainers because of the support it gives to our feet. But when it comes to flip-flops and flat shoes, the podiatrist says to never go there, as they don’t provide enough arch support to the feet.

While slide-in slippers receive a firm ‘nope’ from Dr Razak, the podiatrist tells us to find alternatives with a supportive strap at the top of the foot and around the ankle and heel.

Although heels can make our legs look fantastic, they actually tips us forward and change the foot’s natural position in relation to the ankle. This sets off a chain reaction that can lead to chronic knee, hip or back pain. But, the podiatrist says we can get heels out for occasions.

“Health is important but so is inner and outer confidence,” says Dr Razak, who also tells us to seek advice from professionals if wearing heels has ever caused long-term discomfort.

What about socks or tights?

Even though it’s summer, you never know when you might need a pair of socks. Dr Razak says as long as your tights or socks aren’t restrictive and tight around your ankles, you’re good to go.

Always keep them clean and dry

Dr Razak advises that we make sure our feet are clean and dry and to dry in between the toes regularly, especially after showering or a summer swim.

Stretching

Dr Razak advises preventing daily strains and injuries to the feet – daily stretching and strengthening exercises of the legs, foot and ankle muscles can help with this.

Checking your feet

“Every day,” says Dr Razak. “Use a mirror to check the bottom of your feet.” The podiatrist says when you find red flags such as redness, swelling, pain, and broken skin, seek advice from a podiatrist immediately.

Moisturising

Your feet deserve to be soft as well. When moisturising, Dr Razak says to use a foot cream as the skin of our feet is different to the skin on the rest of the body. Why not try out our Repairing Foot Remedy?

Pumice Stone or Foot File

These tools are a great way to remove dead skin, but be diligent. “Use pumice and foot files gently,” says Dr Razak. “To prevent hard skin and callus, regularly file your feet and apply foot cream.”

Our Polishing Foot Pebble is mixed with pumice stones and natural cleansers to remove impurities, exfoliate and cleanse your feet more gently.

What about toenails?

To trim your toenails, Dr Razak says to always trim your nails and file straight across. Do not curve when nail cutting and never cut the sides of your toenails. If you ever get an ingrown toenail, a 10-minute salt-water bath will help reduce any swelling from it.

Tropic’s Organic Nail Nectar is here to soften and strengthen your cuticles and nail bed too for the perfect pedicure! 

The takeaway?

“Prevention is better than cure,” says Dr Razak. All these tips and tricks are here to maintain the overall health of your feet and ensure you avoid foot-focused conditions.

And if you're in any doubt, seek advice. It’s what us experts are here for!