Summer Foot Pain

Written by: Alex Becker, DPT, PT

Written by: Alex Becker, PT

Summer is the perfect time to be outside; stay active and enjoy everything the season has to offer. Whether you’re walking more, completing yard work, training for a race or spending long days on your feet, increased activity can sometimes lead to foot pain or discomfort.

Wear appropriate footwear:

Even though the weather calls for no footwear, it may not be best to walk outside for extended periods without shoes or sandals. When walking without shoes, pay attention to environmental conditions and avoid hot pavement, gravel or messy areas that can cause damage to skin integrity.

Check for cuts/bruising:

If you notice pain in a specific area, check for skin breakdown. It could be possible there was damage done without noticing initially.

Ankle pain:

• Ankle pain often stems from poor instability in the ankle.

• Improving the strength of muscles surrounding the joint can help eliminate painful symptoms.

  Foot exercises:

• Heel raises – Standing using a countertop or wall for balance, lift body up onto tiptoes, hold for 2 seconds then slowly lower back down to ground.

• Toe raises – Standing using a countertop or wall for balance, lifting toes up and standing on heels, hold for 2 seconds then slowly lower feet back to ground.

• Single leg balance – Standing using a countertop or wall for support, stand on single leg for 30 seconds.

Schedule an appointment:

• If self-care does not relieve discomfort schedule an appointment with us here at Choice Physical Therapy!

• We can assess your impairment and come up with a plan to help you be at the level you want to be at!