Your Feet Are Working Overtime This Summer — When to See a Podiatrist in New Jersey
Summer in New Jersey means sandals, swimming, beach trips, and long walks in the heat. While these activities are enjoyable, they also place extra stress on your feet. Between hot pavement, unsupportive flip-flops, and spending time barefoot around pools and beaches, summer is one of the busiest seasons for foot pain and injuries.
If your feet have been bothering you lately, you’re not alone. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), nearly 77% of Americans experience foot pain at some point, yet many never seek professional treatment.
The good news is that many common foot conditions are highly treatable when addressed early. A podiatrist can help you stay active and comfortable all summer long.
What Is a Podiatrist?
A podiatrist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower legs.
Podiatrists complete four years of podiatric medical school followed by extensive surgical residency training, making them experts in treating everything from ingrown toenails to stress fractures.
If you’ve been ignoring foot pain or simply trying to push through it, it’s important to know that many foot conditions become more difficult to treat if left untreated.
Common Summer Foot Problems That Benefit From Podiatry Care
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the leading causes of heel pain, particularly among adults who spend long hours standing or walking.
It occurs when the plantar fascia—the thick band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes—becomes inflamed. Summer activities such as hiking, sightseeing, or switching from supportive shoes to flat sandals can trigger or worsen the condition.
Common symptoms include:
- Sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning
- Aching that worsens after prolonged standing or walking
Athlete’s Foot and Fungal Infections
Pool decks, locker rooms, and public showers create ideal conditions for the fungus that causes athlete’s foot.
This common infection often causes:
- Itching
- Peeling skin
- Burning sensations
- Cracking between the toes
While over-the-counter treatments may help mild cases, persistent or recurring infections should be evaluated by a podiatrist, who can prescribe stronger medications and check for secondary infections.
Ingrown Toenails
Improper nail trimming, tight-fitting shoes, and trauma from sports or outdoor activities can cause the edges of a toenail to grow into the surrounding skin.
Symptoms may include:
- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Infection
Recurring or infected ingrown toenails should always be treated professionally. Attempting to remove them yourself can make the problem worse.
Blisters and Calluses
New sandals and lightweight summer shoes often create friction that leads to painful blisters and thick calluses.
A podiatrist can safely:
- Remove painful calluses
- Treat infected blisters
- Recommend footwear that reduces friction and prevents future problems
Stress Fractures
Running, tennis, soccer, hiking, and beach volleyball place repetitive stress on the bones of the feet.
Stress fractures are tiny cracks that develop gradually from overuse rather than from a single injury.
Because these fractures don’t always appear on initial X-rays, prompt evaluation is important if pain persists.
Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are calcium deposits that develop on the underside of the heel bone, often after prolonged plantar fasciitis.
Symptoms may include:
- Sharp, stabbing heel pain
- Pain during walking or standing
- Ongoing heel discomfort
Treatment may include custom orthotics, stretching exercises, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, or corticosteroid injections when appropriate.
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
While not every foot ache requires specialist care, you should schedule an evaluation if you experience:
- Foot pain lasting more than a few days
- Swelling or bruising that doesn’t improve
- Numbness or tingling
- An open sore or wound that isn’t healing, especially if you have diabetes
- Pain that changes the way you walk or limits your daily activities
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people living with diabetes should inspect their feet daily and receive regular podiatric care because foot complications can become serious very quickly.
How Podiatry at Care Station Medical Works
Care Station Medical offers podiatry services at our New Jersey locations, making expert foot care convenient without the long wait often associated with specialist appointments.
Our podiatrists diagnose and treat a wide variety of conditions, including:
- Heel and arch pain
- Ingrown toenails
- Diabetic foot care
- Skin conditions affecting the feet
- Ankle sprains and injuries
- Custom orthotics
Our podiatry team also works closely with our urgent care and primary care providers. If your condition requires X-rays, additional testing, or coordinated care, everything can be managed within our practice.
Tips for Keeping Your Feet Healthy This Summer
The Mayo Clinic recommends several simple habits to help keep your feet healthy during the warmer months:
- Wear properly fitted shoes with adequate arch support, especially for long walks.
- Avoid wearing flat sandals for extended periods.
- Wear flip-flops or water shoes around pools, locker rooms, and public showers.
- Keep your feet clean and dry, particularly between the toes.
- Inspect your feet regularly for cuts, blisters, swelling, or changes in skin color.
- Trim toenails straight across to reduce the risk of ingrown toenails.
- Stay well hydrated, as dehydration can contribute to muscle cramps and foot discomfort.
Get the Foot Care You Need in New Jersey
Don’t spend the rest of your summer hoping foot pain will go away on its own.
Whether you’re dealing with heel pain, an ingrown toenail, a stress fracture, or another foot condition, the experienced podiatry team at Care Station Medical is here to help.
Walk into any of our New Jersey locations or call (908) 925-CARE (2273) to schedule an appointment.
Same-day consultations are available because your feet deserve prompt, professional care.
Disclaimer
This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.