A Step Ahead: Get Your Feet “Beach Ready” Now!
Originally written by Ralph J. Napolitano, Jr., DPM, CWSP, FACFAS
Toes meet sand. Well, maybe not just yet. It’s obviously still winter in central Ohio. Visions of hot, sunny days and sandy beaches are perhaps hard to conjure.
Believe it or not, spring is just over a month away, with summer short to follow. Will your feet be ready as they emerge from their winter hibernation when it’s beach season again?
If you’ve been thinking about addressing that foot problem you’ve been putting off, now is a great time to do so. You need to be ready to hit the ground (sand?) running when hot, sunny days are here again.
At OrthoNeuro, with multiple locations in Columbus, Ohio, we’re here to help you with any foot or ankle problems. Whether it’s treating existing conditions or providing advice on foot protection, our team of specialists is ready to keep you moving and enjoying life’s best moments, including your next beach day. Contact us today!
Common Skin Conditions Affecting the Feet
A bit of anatomical trivia to start our discussion. The largest organ we have is our skin. Each square inch of human skin consists of 19 million cells, 60 hairs, 90 feet of blood vessels, and 625 sweat glands. The two main “appendages” of skin are hair and nails.
With respect to foot problems, the two most common dermatologic conditions of the foot are nail fungus and athlete’s foot. These are unsightly conditions that affect many, many people. In fact, half of us will develop nail fungus by the time we reach 70.
Nail fungus is a true infection, not just something cosmetic. It can lead to other problems if not treated, such as secondary bacterial infections and ingrown toenails. These issues are of particular concern if you’re diabetic, have poor circulation, or have a compromised immune system. In the past, the only treatment options for nail fungus have been oral medications, which can affect the liver, and topical medications which have not shown the best results.
Fortunately, the new topical antifungals have shown improvement over the older topicals. At OrthoNeuro, we also offer laser treatment for nail fungus, which has been FDA-cleared now for a few years.
Laser Therapy: Advanced Treatment For Common Skin Conditions
Laser therapy has proved to be very effective and is on the fast track to become the gold standard. It takes less than a half hour to complete and does not require anesthetic. Our laser is the American-made, industry-leading “best in class” Cutera GenesisPlus. Not only can our laser successfully treat toenail and fingernail fungus, but it can also treat painful warts and unsightly, thick scars.
I’ve been using lasers in my practice for about 20 years to treat various medical conditions and have been extremely impressed with the developments we’ve seen over the last five years in the area of nail fungus laser treatment. Considering it takes the adult toenail 4 to 6 months to complete the majority of the normal growth cycle, nail fungus needs to be treated now in order to have clear, healthy nails by summer.
Conditions Affecting Feet Bones and Ligaments
Your feet contain 26 bones (with both feet together having more than one-quarter of the body’s total bones), 33 joints, and more than 100 tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Toe deformities are not only unsightly but can make fitting in shoes a nightmare and physical activities difficult at the very least, if not impossible, depending on the severity of the deformity. These deformities are known as bunions and hammertoes.
A bunion is a misalignment of the great toe resulting in an enlargement of the inside part of the joint. The great toe turns “out” towards the smaller toes and can even overlap or underlap the smaller toes in severe cases. A variation of a bunion deformity is a painful range of motion limitation of the great toe joint from arthritis called hallux limitus. The result is an enlargement of the top of the great toe joint instead of the inside.
Hammertoes are deformities of the smaller toes in which the toes remain contracted towards the top of the shoe gear, resulting in painful rubbing and even open sores.
Treating Bunions and Hammertoes
Palliative measures for these foot conditions include shoe gear modification or even a shoe size change, as well as toe padding. Definitive care involves surgery to align the toe joints to make them straight again, as well as remodeling the joint in cases of arthritis.
The surgical techniques to treat bunions and hammertoes are beyond the scope of this blog and are best discussed in a consultation, which includes a detailed foot and leg exam, gait analysis, and x-rays. If you’re considering surgery for one of these conditions, note that recovery can take anywhere from one to three months. If you don’t want crutches to be part of the summer vacation, consider having your foot surgery now.
Beach Day Hazards to Be Aware Of
Once your feet are prepared and treated for any existing conditions, it’s time to think about what awaits them at the beach. While the beach is a place for relaxation and fun, it also presents several hazards that can impact your foot health. Understanding these risks and taking steps to protect your feet can help ensure your beach day is as enjoyable and injury-free as possible.
UV Sun Exposure
While many people focus on protecting their skin from UV rays, it’s easy to forget that your feet are just as vulnerable to sun damage. Prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to painful sunburns on the tops of your feet, increasing the risk of skin cancer over time.
Hot Sand and Sand Associated Thermal Injury
Spending time on the beach can expose your feet to extreme temperatures. Hot sand can cause burns and blisters, a condition known as sand-associated thermal injury, or “beach feet”. Walking barefoot increases the risk, especially during peak sun hours.
Sharp Objects and Foot Injuries
Beach sand can hide sharp objects like broken glass, shells, and rocks. These can lead to foot injuries if you aren’t careful. Cuts and scrapes from these objects are common, especially if you’re walking barefoot.
Tips for Beach Safety
Taking a few necessary precautions can ensure your feet remain healthy and safe during your beach adventures. From wearing proper footwear to staying aware of potential hazards, protecting your feet is key to a fun and injury-free beach day.
1. Wear Proper Beach Footwear
While flip-flops are a popular choice, they don’t offer much protection. Water shoes provide better support and protect your feet from sharp objects and hot sand.
2. Avoid Hot Sand and Wet Sand Hazards
Always check the temperature of the sand before walking barefoot. Wet sand can be slippery, increasing the risk of falls and twisted ankles.
3. Inspect the Beach Area
Before settling down, inspect the beach area for potential hazards like broken glass or sharp objects. This simple step can prevent foot injuries.
4. Keep Your Feet Moisturized
Saltwater can dry out your skin, so it’s important to rinse your feet and apply moisturizer after a day at the beach to maintain foot health.
5. Be Cautious of Footwear Choices
Avoid wearing ill-fitting shoes that can cause blisters or exacerbate foot deformities. Proper beach footwear is crucial for foot safety.
6. Apply Sunscreen
To protect your feet from UV rays, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 before heading out and reapply regularly, especially after being in the water. Wearing proper beach footwear like water shoes or sandals with coverage can also help shield your feet from harmful UV rays while keeping them comfortable.
Beach Feet Treatment in Ohio
If you experience any foot injuries or ongoing issues after a day at the beach, it’s important to seek professional help. At OrthoNeuro, our team specializes in beach feet treatment and addressing a wide range of foot and ankle problems. Whether it’s a minor injury or a chronic condition, we’re here to provide expert care and get you back on your feet.
Get Ready to Hang Ten and Not Hide Them This Summer!
Dr. Napolitano is a double board-certified podiatrist and wound care specialist physician (CWSP) specializing in medicine, surgery, and wound care of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. He is the Director of Wound Care and Healing at OrthoNeuro. He is also an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and Podiatry at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Napolitano is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and a Diplomate of the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and the American Board of Wound Management. He is also a member of the American Limb Preservation Society. He was the first podiatrist in the state of Ohio to earn the board certification Certified Wound Specialist Physician (CWSP).
“I strive to educate my patients thoroughly about their problem and offer a comprehensive and holistic treatment plan, both medical and surgical. I believe healthy feet are the foundation for healthy living and will do my very best at all times to keep you active and moving along life’s journey—whatever your interests and wherever your feet may take you.”
Contact OrthoNeuro today to schedule an appointment. With many locations across Columbus, OH, our experienced team is here to provide comprehensive foot care and keep you active and enjoying life to the fullest. Protect your feet, enjoy the beach, and take the first step towards better foot health!
