Labor Day weekend is upon us!
The holiday marks the unofficial end of summer, giving South Floridians one last chance to head outdoors and hit the beach before we all start to pretending that 70 degrees is far too chilly to go for a swim. Whether you’re catching some waves or heading to a party in the park, we’re here to make sure that your feet survive the weekend!
Here are several tips to keep your feet out of harm’s way:
Pack the Sunscreen
If you’re going to be in the sun for hours on end, be sure to apply sunscreen to your exposed skin, including your feet. It’s not uncommon for people to forget their feet when applying sunscreen, leading to painful sunburns that leave you wearing sandals to work the following week. It is important to re-apply sunscreen every few hours and to let it sink in before getting wet.
Avoid Going Barefoot
While going barefoot at the beach is alright — I mean, who wants to be the person playing volleyball in socks and sandals? — it’s important to protect your feet the moment you leave the comfort of the sand. The same goes for those attending picnics in backyards and local parks as rocks, hidden debris and other potential hazards can be hiding in the grass and pose a danger to exposed feet.
Prevent Ankle Sprains
Whether you’re playing volleyball or just going for a walk along the shore, ankle sprains are a common injury threat for beachgoers. This is largely due to the fact that your feet have to permanently adjust to an ever-changing surface. There’s no exact way to prevent an unfortunate ankle sprain at the beach, so just remember to take things easy while being active on sand.
Cuts
Whether it’s from a sharp shell or possibly an arrant piece of glass hidden beneath the sand, your feet can take a beating on the beach. To prevent this, always be aware of your surroundings and don’t walk barefoot over large concentrations of shells. If you plan to spend your weekend wading in the shallows, make sure to wear aqua shoes in the water to avoid nasty cuts from rocks or oysters.
Jellyfish Stings
Even if you plan to stay out of the water, it’s important to remember that a jellyfish washed up on the beach can still sting if you step on it. Jellyfish have long, thin tentacles that can stick to the foot or ankle, causing immense pain and discomfort. If stung, remove the tentacles, but make sure to protect your hands from getting stung in the process. At populated beaches, a purple flag will be raised by lifeguards to signal a potential problem with jellyfish, Portuguese man-o-war, stingrays or other marine life that could be a hazard for swimmers. Most jellyfish stings heal within days, but if they don’t, see a doctor.
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The content on this website is for informational purposes only. Do not rely or act upon information from www.DelrayBeachPodiatry.com without seeking professional medical advice. If you live in South Florida and would like a consultation with Dr. Ian Goldbaum, a podiatric physician and surgeon with over 30 years of experience, please see our contact information below:
BOCA/DELRAY
16244 S. Military Trail #290, Delray Beach, FL 33445
561-499-0033
BOYNTON BEACH
8198 Jog Road #100, Boynton Beach, FL 33472
561-499-0033
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