It's the time of year when I get patients asking me how to prevent common Summer foot problems in Bristol.
During the Summer holidays, many people change their footwear to adapt to warmer weather, as well as go on holiday, being outdoors more in general in the sun.
There is also often a change in the type of terrain people are walking on, as they move from an urban environment to walking on beaches, coast paths, uneven ground and tricky gradients.
These changes in walking environments and footwear exert different stresses on the body, and I treat Summer foot problems in Bristol annually with common issues and causes.
What Summer footwear causes the most problems?
Flip-flops and Sliders aren't great and cause the most issues. They are light and airy but do not provide the same level of support for the feet or ankles that people are used to.
As a leading osteopath in Bristol, I advise patients to wear supportive sandals instead.
What causes Summer foot issues?
Unsuitable footwear is not the only cause of Summer foot issues with patients I treat at my Henleaze osteopathic clinic.
Foot problems and pain often relate to calf or lower back issues.
Increased activity levels in Summer as well as changed footwear could also cause more distant issues.
What existing issues can worsen Summer foot problems?
I get patients coming in for treatment of Summer foot problems, with pre-existing issues sometimes playing a part in making the pain and discomfort worse in warmer weather.
Two common foot problems that I treat in Bristol include:
Plantar Fasciitis - pain in the base and arch of the foot. This can be eased with rest, ice packs, osteopathic treatment locally and distant to the foot, and sensible footwear.
Achilles Tendinopathy affects the Achilles tendon, which attaches the calf muscle to the heel bone and is often an overuse injury involving the leg and sometimes back.
When treating these foot problems, it's important to consider the whole musculoskeletal system as distant areas can be involved.
Less supportive footwear in the Summer can also lead to ankle issues, ligament damage and injuries. It can also cause knee and hip problems. Good footwear is vital in the Summer.
For advice on how to treat ankle injuries in Bristol, please visit here.
To make a booking at my Bristol osteopathy clinic, visit here.