As the warm weather of spring and summer rolls around, many people cannot wait to break out their sandals. Unfortunately, some common conditions could prevent your feet from being sandal ready. What are these conditions, how do you address them, and when do you need a visit to a podiatrist? Here are a few answers to these questions. 

Swollen Feet

Have you ever looked down, especially in warm weather, and realized that your feet are uncomfortably swollen? Unfortunately, warm weather can produce a condition known as summer swelling, which can only worsen as you age. 

A build-up of fluid or edema is what causes your swollen feet. Edema occurs when small blood vessels or capillaries leak fluid into the surrounding tissues, often in your extremities. Because gravity causes fluids to flow down, the liquids can pool into the lower parts of your body. Because your body is not able to transport these fluids very easily back up and out of your feet, swelling can occur. 

One of the most common ways to alleviate swollen feet is through the RICE method. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. While usually reserved for injuries, the process can help as a routine treatment for swollen feet. 

To adequately rest, you need to sit somewhere that is easy for you to elevate your feet, preferably above your heart level. This position will help reduce your swelling by allowing the fluid to flow from your feet and back into your body. Applying ice will help constrict your blood vessels and assist with any pain. Compression socks can also help push the fluid out of your feet. 

Numerous things besides heat sometimes cause summertime swelling as well. Some of these include:

• Diets
• Medications
• Pregnancy
• Injuries
• Medical Treatments

Unfortunately, other medical conditions can also cause swelling. Some of these include:

• Lymphedema
• Venous insufficiency
• Preeclampsia
• Blood clots
• Foot infections
• Heart failure
• Kidney disease

If you suspect any of these severe conditions are the reasons for your swollen feet, you may need to seek medical care immediately. 

Heel Fissures

Few things are as uncomfortable in sandals as heel fissures, commonly called cracked heels. While they usually do not cause complications beyond uncomfortable dryness, they can sometimes become infected and cause cellulitis. This condition can be severe if left untreated and cause other serious health issues. 

While anyone can develop heel fissures, several environmental things make them more common. Some of these include:

• Continuously wearing open-heeled shoes
• Shoe friction
• Dry weather
• Certain bath products
• Hot bath or shower water
• Extended standing

Certain medical conditions can also cause heel fissures. Some of these are:

• Dry skin
• Athlete's foot
• Heel spurs
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Diabetes 
• Acquired Keratoderma

You may be able to avoid or treat minor heel fissures by washing your feet in warm water. Scrub off the dead skin with a foot scrubber or loofah. Always dry your feet well, followed immediately by a thick moisturizer. Consider protecting your feet and giving your moisturizer a chance to work by wearing socks following your moisture routine.

Heel fissures caused by medical conditions may require further attention from your primary care physician or a podiatrist. You may need prescription-strength ointments, oral medications, or other treatments. This treatment will help heal these fissures and help you avoid infection and other related health conditions. 

Huntsville Podiatry Center PC would love to help you take care of your feet and get them sandal ready. We are trained foot care professionals who can help you address many foot care problems. We make your comfort and care our number one priority. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.