As you transition from summer sandals and bare feet to shoes and socks for the fall, keep in mind that this change can cause foot problems. Some issues you may run into maybe:
- Ingrown Toenails– Wearing enclosed or improperly sized shoes can lead to ingrown toenails. Trim your
toenails straight across and wear shoes that are not tight in the toe box. - Irritated Bunions, Bone Spurs & Hammertoes–
Constant rubbing on your feet from shoes can irritate any existing hammertoes, bunions or bone spurs. Wear socks and properly fitting shoes and consider having your shoe stretched in the areas of irritation to provide some relief. - Neuroma Flare-Ups– Tight-fitting, enclosed shoes can trigger neuromas, or nerve pain. Make sure your shoes
provide enough room in the toe area so your toes are not squeezed or irritated. - Toenail Fungus– Fungus thrives in dark, moist and warm environments, such as your shoes. To prevent
fungal growth, disinfect your shoes and wear different pairs to allow them to air out. Also remove any leftover summer nail polish from your toes. Nail polish seals the nail and traps moisture, which can create a breeding ground for fungus.