The Foot Doctor Talks About Summer Feet

Summer is the time of year when your feet hit the ground running. Picnics, hiking, pool parties, barbecues and ample amounts of great weather send all of us outside. It's also the time when our feet come out of hiding, and sometimes we don't like what we see.

With this in mind, I recently stopped in to visit with Rochelle Bomar, DPM - also known as "The Foot Doctor" to get the scoop on keeping our feet healthy and in good shape during the summer months.

Dr.Bomar's first piece of advice is about sunscreen. "We forget about sunscreen for the tops of our feet until they get burned! They haven't been exposed to the sun for months and suddenly they are in the sun all day long. Protect your feet (and the rest of you) with regular applications of sunscreen."

Dry and cracked heels? According to Dr. Bomar, keeping your feet fully moisturized is the best way to keep your feet looking smooth and supple - and regular applications of a good, creamy moisturizers keeps those dreaded dry cracked heels at bay such as "Foot Bliss."  

Dr. Bomar also uses "Foot Doctor Pro" a special foot buffer in the shower that really works at keeping feet in top condition  It has a scrubbie rough sponge on one side and soft emolients on the other. Both Foot Bliss and Foot Doctor Pro are available for purchase at The Foot Doctor.

Sometimes, however, moisturizers aren't enough.  

"Thick flaky nails, nail discoloration and even excessively dry, flaky skin that doesn't go away with regular moisturizing are signs of fungal infection," Dr. Bomar cautioned but also said that with new medications, they are easier and quicker to treat than in the past. "Don't hesitate to come in and get your feet checked out if there is any concern on your part that you might have a foot fungus. Get it taken care of sooner, rather than later."

Summer shoes should be chosen with care and Dr. Bomar suggests that you always look for sandals and flip flops that have arch support for comfortable, stable and safe walking.

Dr. Bomar's final piece of advice is to know where you are walking before you take your shoes off.  "Sometimes lawns and other summer surfaces are very tempting to walk on bare-footed, but if you are not familiar with the terrain and the grounds, it's best to protect your feet by keeping your shoes on at all times to avoid injury."

Summer can be fun - and summer is even more fun if your feet are in good shape. 

Read more about Dr. Bomar on The Plaza North website or give her a call at (707) 763-4343. The Foot Doctor is located at 231 North McDowell Boulevard, Suite D, Hours of operation are Tuesday, Thursdays and Fridays from 9 am - noon and from 1:30 pm - 5:30 pm.