Serving Chicagoland
and Surrounding Suburbs

Board Certified in Foot and
Reconstructive Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery

Health Risks to Your Feet at the Beach

Person walking on the beach, feet in the sand and leaving footprints behind.

Going to the beach in the summertime or enjoying a tropical vacation can be the highlight of the year. With the sun shining, the waves crashing, and the sand between your toes, it’s easy to forget that your feet might be at risk.

While the beach is fun, it can lead to some unexpected foot problems. Let’s explore the potential health risks your feet face at the beach and how you can avoid them.

8 Common Foot Health Issues That Occur at the Beach

1. Sunburn

We’re always told to protect our face from the sun’s harmful rays, but what about our feet? It’s easy to forget to apply sunscreen to your feet, but they can burn just as quickly as any other part of the body. In fact, it’s quite easy to burn the tops of your feet just by walking around in sandals.

Sunburnt feet can be painful and lead to peeling, blisters, or even skin cancer. Always remember to put sunscreen on your feet (and toes!) and reapply regularly.

2. Arch Pain

Walking barefoot on uneven surfaces like sand can strain the muscles and tendons in your feet. This can cause arch pain and potentially lead to tears and inflammation. Supportive footwear can help prevent these problems.

3. Ankle Sprains

Running or playing sports on the beach can increase the risk of an ankle injury. Be cautious and wear supportive shoes if you plan on being active and running on soft, uneven terrain like sand.

4. Foot Infections

Open wounds can easily get infected when exposed to fungus or bacteria in the sand or water. A foot infection from the beach can become serious if not treated promptly. Always clean and cover any cuts you may have, and avoid walking barefoot if you have an open wound— even a small one.

5. Punctures & Scrapes

Stepping on sharp objects buried in the sand can cause punctures or scrapes on your feet. These injuries can lead to infections, so it’s important to inspect your feet regularly and wear shoes for protection.

6. Burns on the Bottoms of Feet (Beach Feet)

Walking on the beach is a relaxing pastime for many people. However, hot sand can burn the bottoms of your feet, causing pain, blisters, and peeling skin. Wearing sandals or water shoes can prevent burns and keep your feet comfortable.

7. Swollen Feet

Hot weather can cause your feet to swell, making them uncomfortable and even painful. If you’re wondering, “Why do my feet swell at the beach?” it’s due to the buildup of fluid in the area after blood vessels expand. This is known as heat edema.

Stay hydrated and wear supportive footwear. Additionally, when you’re lying on the beach, get up every now and again to keep your blood moving. Elevate your feet at home to reduce swelling.

8. Rash

You can get a rash on your feet from beach sand sometimes due to friction or allergens present in the sand. Rinse your feet off regularly and use moisturizing lotion to soothe any irritation.

Contact Mitchell Foot & Ankle for Professional Foot Care

If you experience any type of foot or ankle issue after visiting the beach and putting your feet in the sand, it’s important to seek professional help. At Mitchell Foot & Ankle, we help patients maintain healthy feet all year long.

When to Contact Us:

  • Persistent foot pain or swelling
  • Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, pus, or fever
  • Difficulty walking or standing
  • Unusual symptoms like the bottoms of your feet peeling after a beach trip, or itchy patches of skin

Don’t let foot problems ruin your summer fun. If you’re dealing with issues like beach feet, sunburnt feet, or bacterial or fungal infections, Mitchell Foot & Ankle is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our Hyde Park podiatrists and keep your feet happy and healthy.

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Mitchell Foot & Ankle

1338 E 47th St.
Chicago, IL 60653

Fax: 773-433-8108

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