5 Most Common Foot Injuries Seen in the Summer and How to Prevent Them

Summer is all about flip-flops and sunglasses, barbecues and beaches. The downsides include sunburn and insect bites and, if you aren’t careful, foot injuries related to summertime wardrobe and activities. When spontaneous ball games break out and you’re caught without the right shoes, you might be setting yourself up for trouble. 

The same holds true for other summer adventures like hikes and camping. Just the increase in activity is enough to have your feet aching or injured. The team at Hudson Valley Foot Associates wants you to recognize foot problems common to the summer months or, even better, be ready to avoid the situations that lead to injury. 

1. Plantar fasciitis

Often revealed by heel pain, plantar fasciitis results from micro tears and inflammation in a tough layer of tissue that stretches between heel and ball of the foot, called the plantar fascia. Summer sports and long hours on your feet can contribute. Footwear without cushioning and arch support, so common for summer styles, can also aggravate the issue. 

2. Stress fractures

Activities that feature lots of stopping and starting movement, particularly on hard surfaces like basketball courts, can cause tiny hairline cracks in bones of the foot called stress fractures. A key symptom is pain that vanishes when you’re resting, but resumes when you stand and become active. Again, light footwear can contribute to or aggravate a stress fracture. 

3. Flat feet

Not every summertime foot injury traces back to your shoes, and you won’t get flat feet from a few weeks in flip-flops, but you also won’t get the arch support you need to prevent the problems associated with the condition. This foot condition can affect the way you walk and create mechanical issues in your knees and hips too. 

4. Sprained ankle

The increase in activity that often accompanies summer weather can lead to situations to which you’re unaccustomed, or you may walk further or play harder simply to enjoy the season. Ankle sprains are one of the most common foot injuries any time of year. And, yes, your risk of sprain goes up when you’re wearing unsupportive footwear. 

5. Metatarsalgia

Your choice of footwear might be responsible for pain at the ball of your foot. Called metatarsalgia, it’s not usually a serious foot problem, but it can interfere with your enjoyment of summer weather. Lack of cushioning and foot support causes a collapse of the metatarsal arch at the ball of your foot. Sports that include running and jumping can also create the sometimes sharp and burning localized pain. 

It may benefit you to skip convenience and comfort for cushioning and support when you consider your summer footwear. If an injury occurs, contact Hudson Valley Foot Associates by phone or online to meet with our expert foot and ankle team. Make an appointment at the first sign of foot pain.