5 Tips for Beach Bliss (Not Bust!)
During these hot summer days, we at Caring Podiatry know that the Jersey shore is beckoning our Monroe and Monmouth County patients to escape the heat and enjoy a day in the sand and surf. Lurking in this oceanside respite, however, are several potential podiatric risks. Here’s how to protect your feet on a beach day.
1. Avoid hot spots—most people wouldn’t purposely step on something burning hot with bare feet, and yet, each summer, many patients suffer severe burns on the soles of their feet from walking across hot sand. Sand at the beach on a sunny day can reach a temperature of 140 degrees F! Halfway through your sprint from the parking lot to your ideal beach blanket spot is the wrong time to find out how hot the sand is, and it can leave you with a severe injury to the skin on your feet.
2. Don’t feel the burn—hopefully, applying sunscreen is always on your beach “to-do” list, but it’s worth checking to ensure you do it effectively. First, use sunscreen on your feet with the same diligence and frequency as the rest of your body. This includes the soles of your feet if you’re lying on a beach blanket. Check to make sure your sunscreen is not expired. Choose a sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays (broad spectrum) and apply it liberally for maximum protection. Look for a water-resistant sunscreen but remember you will still have to apply it after swimming and every 2 hours—whichever comes first.
3. Beach shoe basics—a long walk on the beach or a game of volleyball may require more than flip flops which don’t offer any side support and can easily lead to an ankle sprain. In addition, you may want the sturdier tread of a sneaker or water shoe to help you sidestep cuts, puncture wounds, or stings from jellyfish that have washed up on the shore.
4. Preparation pays off—packing a mini first aid kit with peroxide or antiseptic wipes, antibacterial ointment, and bandages will be helpful if you suffer a minor injury at the beach. In addition, bring a little baking soda or meat tenderizer—apply this to a jellyfish sting to relieve pain and swelling.
5. Stay hydrated—increase your water intake at the beach. This will reduce painful swelling in your feet, but the rest of your body will thank you too!
If you do hurt your foot or ankle at the beach or you notice a rash or other uncomfortable symptoms that linger after your beach day, contact our Monroe Township (609-860-9111) and Neptune (732-455-8700) offices for an appointment. Our podiatrists, Andrew Schmierer, Craig Shapero, and Matthew Weintraub, will examine your feet and determine the source and any necessary treatment.