Summer usually means people are more active without thinking much about it. More time outdoors, extra walking on holidays, longer days on your feet, and more time in thongs or barefoot means your feet have to cope with additional strain more than they normally would compared to cooler months.
What we often see at Sanders Podiatry is that the problems don’t show up straight away. It’s usually weeks later – when routines return to normal – that people start noticing heel pain in the morning, sore arches, cracked heels, or toenails that suddenly become painful.
Heat, hard surfaces, increased activity, and footwear with very little support can all place extra stress on your feet. Even small changes, repeated over weeks, can overload tissues and lead to pain that seems to appear “out of nowhere”.
Below are some of the most common foot problems we see after summer, along with simple ways to prevent them from becoming long-term issues.
Heel pain and plantar fascia strain
Thongs, slides, and barefoot walking might feel freeing, but they provide very little support. Over time, this can overload the plantar fascia – the strong band of tissue that supports your arch.
Many people first notice the problem as sharp heel pain when getting out of bed or after sitting down. Left untreated, this pain can become persistent and interfere with everyday walking.
Prevention tip: Transition back into supportive footwear early. Choose shoes with cushioning, arch support, and a firm heel counter, especially for daily walking and work.
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Cracked heels and dry skin
Hot weather, open-backed shoes, and walking barefoot can dry out the skin on your heels. Small cracks may not seem like a big issue, but they can deepen, become painful, and increase the risk of infection.
Cracked heels are especially concerning for people with diabetes or circulation issues, where healing can be slower.
Prevention tip: Moisturise your feet daily, particularly the heels. If cracks are already present, professional podiatry treatment can safely remove hard skin and reduce the risk of complications.
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Ingrown and damaged toenails
Summer footwear often means toes are more exposed – and more likely to be injured. Repeated pressure from sandals, long walks, or stubbing toes can lead to bruised nails, thickened nails, or ingrown toenails that only become painful later.
Prevention tip: Keep toenails trimmed straight across and avoid cutting them too short. If nails become painful, red, or swollen, don’t attempt home surgery – early podiatry care prevents infection and long-term nail problems.
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Fungal skin and nail infections
Warm, moist environments are ideal for fungal infections. Public pools, gyms, shared showers, and sweaty summer shoes can all contribute. Fungal skin infections often appear as peeling, itching, or redness between the toes, while fungal nails may thicken or discolour over time.
Prevention tip: Dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes. Rotate shoes, wear moisture-wicking socks, and treat fungal infections early before they spread.
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Overuse injuries from “holiday activity”
Summer often means doing more than usual – longer walks, hikes, sports, or sightseeing. While this is great for wellbeing, sudden increases in activity can overload the feet and ankles, leading to tendon pain, stress reactions, or joint strain.
Prevention tip: Build activity gradually and listen to early warning signs like persistent soreness, swelling, or stiffness. Pain is not something to push through.
Why early podiatry care is important
Many post-summer foot problems start small and worsen when ignored. Addressing issues early can prevent months of discomfort and recovery. A little extra foot care goes a long way.
At Sanders Podiatry, we help patients with a range of small niggling problems from cacked heels and nail infections to arthritis and diabetes care. If your feet are sore, cracked, or not coping as well as they did a few months ago, summer may have taken more of a toll than you realised.
Book an appointment with Sanders Podiatry and give your feet the care they need to carry you comfortably into the cooler months. Because many wonderful walks and hikes are just around the corner!
Please phone us and make an appointment at one of our clinics below.
Sander Podiatry Adelaide – 08 8379 1456 (Greenhill Podiatry)