At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, now that summer is in full swing, we know many of our Middlesex County patients will be planning trips to some of Connecticut and Rhode Island’s beautiful beaches. A day of fun in the sun and surf is a great way to cool off on a hot day, but it also presents some unique challenges to your feet and ankles.

Here are some do’s and don’ts to ensure your beach day isn’t a bust for your feet:

Do: remember to apply sunscreen to the tops and bottoms of your and your children’s feet. The sand reflects the sun’s rays and so time spent lounging on a beach blanket can result in severe sunburn to the soles of the feet that will make it difficult to walk for several days. Use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 that’s water-resistant and protects against UVA and UVB rays. Reapply often!

Don’t: play games with potential sports injuries. If you enjoy a good game of beach volleyball or a little extreme frisbee in the sand, remember to pack a pair of athletic shoes. It’s hard to gain traction and maintain balance in the shifting sand, and ankle sprains and other injuries can occur without supportive footwear.

Do: bring some vinegar or baking soda to the beach. While this may seem like a strange addition to your beach bag, it will reduce the pain and swelling if you get a jellyfish sting. Remember that even dead jellyfish washed up on the sand can still sting.

Do: slip on your shoes or flip-flops before taking a walk on the beach. Hot sand can quickly cause burns on the soles of your feet. In addition, keeping your feet covered will protect them from puncture wounds and cuts caused by objects hidden in the sand.

Don’t: bring home an unwanted souvenir of athlete’s foot or toenail fungus. Fungi and bacteria thrive in warm, moist places such as beach restrooms and changing areas. Always wear your flip-flops or water shoes when walking in these and other public places that see lots of barefoot traffic to avoid coming in contact with a foot infection.

We hope our patients enjoy many beach days this summer! If you do sustain an injury or have another foot problem you’re concerned about, be sure to contact our Cromwell office by calling 860-632-5499. Our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, will examine your feet and determine the correct treatment for your foot pain.