If you're heading to Acworth Beach or other shores this Memorial Day weekend, this post is a must-read for you: if you aren't careful, a day of surf and sand could take a major toll on your foot health. In fact, so many people experience foot pain and fatigue; swelling; blisters; and burned or peeling skin after spending time at the shore that there's an official term for this group of symptoms: beach feet. But why are beach days so hard on your feet? And what can you do to enjoy your days in the sun without the foot pain? Here's what you need to know.
What are Beach Feet? ![woman's foot in the sand with visible foot print]()
Beach feet is a term that describes some of the painful symptoms your feet experience after a day by the shore. Symptoms include:
- Foot swelling
- Pain
- Red, burned skin
- Peeling skin
- Blisters
- Fatigue
But why does spending time at the beach take such a toll on your foot health? Let's take a closer look.
Causes of Beach Feet
There are a few different reasons why you might develop foot pain after a beach day. First, let's talk footwear. Many people wear flip flops to the beach. (In fact, the beach is about the only place that Powder Springs podiatrist Dr. Alvin Cowans wants you to wear this kind of flimsy footwear.) Now, wearing thin-soled sandals while you're walking on the sand is important: shoes will protect you from grains that can absorb enough heat to actually burn your feet. However, when you're taking a long walk from your car to your spot in the sand; or from your beach blanket to the snack stand; flip-flops won't give your feet any kind of support. So, at the end of the day, you may experience foot pain and fatigue.
Flip-flops can also be responsible for another common foot problem related to beach days: blisters. You see, many sandals come with a plastic wedge that sits between your toes. It doesn't really help keep your shoes in place, so they slide when you walk, rubbing against your delicate skin. Then, at the end of the day, you go home with the start of a painful blister.
Even if you avoid blistering, there's another major foot hazard to avoid during a beach day: sunburns! By now, most people know they have to wear sunscreen when spending the day outdoors. But many people forget to apply that sunscreen to their feet. And that's a problem, because the skin on your feet gets much less sun exposure than the rest of your body, making it more vulnerable to burns, as well as skin cancer on feet.
By now, you understand the many causes of painful beach feet. But we don't want to scare you out of enjoying your summer fun. Instead, let's review tips for keeping your feet happy and healthy while you dig into the sand and surf.
Picking the Best Beach Shoes to Prevent Foot Pain
One of the best ways to keep your feet happy is to try this trick: instead of just rocking one pair of sandals, pack two pairs of beach shoes for the day. Make one pair a supportive and stable sneakers or walking shoes that you can wear when taking longer walks. Then, make the other pair a sandal that can keep your feet protected from hot sand, sharp shells and more. And you'll get some bonus points if you choose a sandal with built-in arch support, like the styles from the Archie's line of footwear. It's also important to find a well-fitted shoe, or a sandal with straps in the back and front, since that will help prevent movement, rubbing, and the development of painful blisters.
Don't Forget Your Feet When Applying Sunscreen
When you're settling into your spot on the sand, take off your supportive footwear and any socks or coverings on your feet. Now, make sure to apply sunscreen to all the exposed surfaces on your foot, including the back of your heels. It's best to apply sunscreen before slipping into your sandals, since even the best beach shoes move around when you walk, leaving skin exposed and unprotected if you haven't covered it with sunscreen.
Fighting Swollen Beach Feet
When spending the day at the beach, your feet will likely swell a little due to the heat and humidity of the environment. To help prevent excessive swelling, make sure to stay well-hydrated throughout the day, as this can help your body flush out excess fluids. Also, try to move as much as possible throughout the day, as this will help get any accumulated fluid flowing out of your legs, reducing any swelling in your feet.
Heal Painful Beach Feet with Your Powder Springs Podiatrist
If a day at the shore has your feet feeling less than fantastic, we are here to help. Don't let one day in the sand ruin your summer fun. Just reach out to our office for an appointment: you can call 770-727-0614 or follow this link to contact us online.
