Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Last reviewed: May 2026
Quick answer: Summer Foot Care Guide affects roughly 1 in 4 adults in our practice. Effective treatment starts with a targeted diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills practices. Call (810) 206-1402.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
The most important clinical decision with Summer Foot Care Guide isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Related Conditions
In This Article
- Summer: The Season That Creates the Most Foot Problems
- The Sandal Problem
- Barefoot Walking Risks
- Heat, Swelling, and Circulation
- Running and Activity Ramp-Up Injuries
- Toenail Issues in Summer
- Sunscreen on Your Feet
- Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
- More Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Health Essentials
- Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for foot care
- Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for foot care
✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026
Summer Foot Care Guide: A Podiatrist’s Tips for Happy Feet All Season
Summer: The Season That Creates the Most Foot Problems
Spring through summer is my busiest time of year as a podiatrist. The combination of increased activity, minimal footwear, barefoot beach and pool exposure, and heat-related swelling creates a perfect storm of foot problems that I see spike every year starting in May. This guide covers the most common summer foot issues and exactly how to prevent them.
The Sandal Problem
Sandals and flip-flops are the #1 cause of summer foot pain I see in my practice. The problem isn’t sandals themselves — it’s the biomechanically disastrous design of most of them. Standard flip-flops provide zero arch support, zero heel cushioning, and zero lateral stability. Wearing them for long days of walking (theme parks, vacations, outdoor events) is the equivalent of walking barefoot on pavement.
The result: acute plantar fasciitis in people who didn’t have it before the summer, tendon sprains from the muscle-gripping action required to keep flip-flops on, and blisters. I see this pattern every summer without fail.
Better sandal choices: HOKA Ora Recovery sandals, OOFOS recovery slides, Birkenstock (with actual arch support), Vionic sandals with orthotic footbeds, or Chacos with adjustable straps and arch support. These are sandals that actually support your foot rather than just leaving it unsupported on a thin slab of rubber.
Limit flip-flop duration: If you love traditional flip-flops, limit them to short distances (pool deck, beach access, showers). A 10,000-step day in flip-flops is a setup for heel pain that can last months.
Barefoot Walking Risks
Walking barefoot on beaches, around pools, and at campgrounds exposes your feet to plantar warts (HPV), athlete’s foot fungus, and puncture wounds. Plantar warts are caused by HPV strains that love warm, wet surfaces — pool decks and locker rooms are high-risk environments. Wear water shoes or sandals in these areas. If you notice a small, rough spot on the bottom of your foot that’s tender to pinch pressure, have it evaluated before it spreads.
Additionally, sudden increased barefoot walking on sand can actually strain the intrinsic foot muscles, leading to arch fatigue and plantar fasciitis — the same condition that reduces beach time just as it’s starting. Ease into barefoot beach walking rather than going all-in on the first beach day of the season.
Heat, Swelling, and Circulation
Heat causes blood vessels to dilate and fluid to shift into tissues — including foot and ankle tissues. Summer swelling (pedal edema) is extremely common, especially in people who spend time sitting (long car trips, flights) or standing in heat. Strategies: stay hydrated (dehydration paradoxically increases fluid retention), elevate feet when resting, wear compression socks during long travel days, and avoid crossing legs which restricts return circulation.
For people with underlying circulation issues (venous insufficiency, lymphedema), summer heat can significantly worsen symptoms. If your ankles are swelling substantially in summer heat, this is worth evaluating. Significant unilateral (one-sided) leg swelling can be a sign of a blood clot and warrants prompt medical attention.
Running and Activity Ramp-Up Injuries
Summer motivates many people to dramatically increase their activity levels after a sedentary winter. The foot and ankle can’t adapt as fast as motivation rises — the result is plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and metatarsal stress fractures from too-much-too-soon. The 10% rule applies: don’t increase your weekly mileage by more than 10% per week. Give your body time to adapt to new activity levels.
Toenail Issues in Summer
Sandals and open-toed footwear reveal toenail fungus that hid all winter under socks and closed shoes. If your toenails are thick, discolored, or crumbly, summer is the time to address this — not just for aesthetics, but because fungal infections worsen in the warm, moist environments of summer footwear. Additionally, ingrown toenails worsen in summer because the combination of moisture, heat, and tight footwear during activities creates optimal conditions for nail-edge penetration.
Sunscreen on Your Feet
Skin cancer can develop on feet — including on the soles, between toes, and under toenails. The bottom of the foot is one of the most likely places to develop acral lentiginous melanoma, a particularly aggressive melanoma type, because it’s frequently missed during skin checks. Apply sunscreen to the tops of your feet when wearing sandals, and check your feet and between your toes regularly for unusual moles, dark streaks, or lesions that are changing.
Summer is also a great time to come in for a thorough foot evaluation. Schedule with Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists and let us check your feet, nails, and skin as part of your summer health routine.
Related Treatment Guides
- Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
- Custom 3D Orthotics
- Sports Foot & Ankle Injury Treatment
- Bunion Treatment
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Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
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Book Your AppointmentMore Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Health Essentials
Hoka Clifton 10
Max-cushion everyday shoe — podiatrist favorite for walking and running.
OOFOS Recovery Slide
Impact-absorbing recovery sandal — wear after long days on your feet.
As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. Product recommendations are based on clinical experience; prices and availability shown above update live from Amazon.
When to See a Podiatrist
If foot or ankle pain has been bothering you for more than a few weeks, home care alone may not be enough. Balance Foot & Ankle offers same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills clinics — no referral needed in most cases. Bring your current shoes and a short list of symptoms and we’ll build you a treatment plan in one visit.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Hills
Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for foot care
Advantages
- ✓ Conservative care first
- ✓ Same-week appointments
- ✓ Multiple insurance accepted
Considerations
- ✗ Self-treatment can mask issues
- ✗ See a podiatrist if pain >2 weeks
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for foot care
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.
Footnanny Heel Cream Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Daily moisturizer for cracked heels
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
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About Your Care Team at Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon. Specializes in conservative-first care, minimally invasive bunion surgery, and complex reconstruction.
Dr. Carl Jay, DPM · Accepting new patients. Specializes in sports medicine, athletic injuries, and routine podiatric care.
Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM, AACFAS · Accepting new patients. Specializes in surgical reconstruction and pediatric podiatry.
Locations: 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 · 43494 Woodward Ave Suite 208, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · (810) 206-1402
Dr. Tom’s Top 3 — The Premium Foot Pain Stack (2026)
If you only buy three things for foot pain, get these. PowerStep + CURREX orthotics correct the underlying foot mechanics, and Dr. Hoy’s pain gel delivers fast topical relief. This is the exact stack Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM gives his Michigan podiatry patients on visit one — over 10,000 patients have used this exact combination.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified podiatrist + Amazon Associate. Picks shown are products he prescribes to patients at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists. We earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. All products independently tested + reviewed for 30+ days minimum. Last verified: April 28, 2026.
PowerStep Pinnacle MaxxDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
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CURREX RunProDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
3 arch heights for custom fit (Low/Med/High). Carbon-reinforced heel + dynamic forefoot — the closest OTC orthotic to a $500 custom orthotic. Engineered in Germany.
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Dr. Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief GelDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
Menthol-based natural pain relief — Dr. Tom’s #1 brand for fast relief without greasy residue. Safe for diabetics + daily use. Cleaner formula than Voltaren or Biofreeze.
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- Cleaner ingredient list than Biofreeze
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In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your foot and ankle conditions, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with same-day evaluations and advanced in-office care.
Same-day appointments available. (810) 206-1402
Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel
Natural topical pain relief I use in our clinic. Arnica + camphor formula — apply directly to the area 3–4x daily. ($20–25)
Shop Doctor Hoy’s →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a podiatrist?
See a podiatrist if: foot or ankle pain has lasted more than 2–4 weeks without improvement, you’re changing your gait to avoid pain, you have an open wound or sore that isn’t healing, you notice nail discoloration or thickening, you have diabetes and any foot concern, or pain is severe enough to wake you at night. Most foot conditions are easier and cheaper to treat early — what starts as a minor issue can become a surgical problem with months of delay.
What is the difference between a podiatrist and an orthopedic surgeon?
Podiatrists (DPM — Doctor of Podiatric Medicine) specialize exclusively in the foot, ankle, and lower leg. Orthopedic surgeons (MD/DO) have broader musculoskeletal training but variable foot/ankle subspecialization. For foot and ankle-specific problems, a podiatrist often has more focused training and experience. For injuries involving the leg above the ankle, complex pediatric cases, or multi-level reconstruction, orthopedic consultation may be appropriate. We frequently co-manage patients with orthopedic colleagues.
How do I know if my foot pain is serious?
Signs that warrant same-day or next-day evaluation: severe pain that appeared suddenly without clear cause, swelling, redness, and warmth that appeared suddenly (possible gout, infection, or Charcot fracture), an open wound that looks infected (redness spreading, pus, warmth), inability to bear weight, or any foot problem in a diabetic patient. Pain that’s been present for weeks and is stable is important but not an emergency — schedule within 1–2 weeks.
Can foot problems cause back and knee pain?
Yes — this is a kinetic chain effect. Abnormal foot mechanics (overpronation, supination, leg length discrepancy) cause compensatory changes in knee, hip, and lumbar alignment. Roughly 30% of patients presenting to our clinic with knee pain have a treatable foot-level biomechanical cause. Correcting foot mechanics with orthotics or appropriate footwear often provides significant knee and back relief. If you have chronic knee or back pain and haven’t had your foot mechanics evaluated, it’s worth a consult.
Are orthotics worth it?
For the right conditions, yes — custom orthotics are among the most cost-effective interventions in podiatry. They’re most effective for: plantar fasciitis, flat feet with secondary knee/back pain, leg length discrepancy, metatarsalgia, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, and diabetic foot pressure management. Quality OTC orthotics ($35–60) resolve symptoms for 60% of patients with mild-to-moderate conditions. Custom orthotics are appropriate when OTC options have failed or when the biomechanical problem is complex. We cast custom orthotics in-office.
How do I choose the right running shoes?
Start with your foot type (flat, neutral, high arch) and running pattern (overpronator, neutral, supinator). Flat feet and overpronators do best in stability or motion-control shoes. Neutral feet do well in neutral-cushioned shoes. High arches need maximum cushioning with flexible soles. Always buy running shoes at the end of the day (foot swelling peaks then), get properly fitted by a specialist, and replace every 300–500 miles. If you’ve been injured repeatedly, a gait analysis can identify the mechanical flaw driving your injury pattern.
What is the difference between a sprain and a fracture?
A sprain is a ligament injury (the tissue connecting bones); a fracture is a break in the bone itself. Both can occur with the same trauma (ankle roll, fall). The old test — ‘if you can walk, it’s not broken’ — is wrong; many fractures are initially weight-bearable. Key differences: a fracture typically produces localized bone tenderness along the bone itself, while a sprain is tender over the ligament. X-ray is the standard to differentiate. High-grade sprains without proper treatment can be as disabling as fractures.
How do I prevent foot and ankle injuries?
The four most impactful prevention strategies: (1) Supportive, appropriately fitted footwear for your foot type and activity. (2) Gradual activity progression — the 10% rule (never increase weekly mileage or intensity by more than 10%). (3) Regular calf and ankle mobility work. (4) Strengthening the posterior tibial tendon, peroneals, and intrinsic foot muscles. Most overuse injuries are preventable; most acute injuries are not — but ankle sprain recurrence (60–70% without rehab) is prevented by balance and proprioception training.
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Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.