As the weather warms up and summer approaches, many of us spend more time outdoors, head to the beach, or swap our supportive shoes for sandals and thongs. While summer is a great time to enjoy the sunshine, these seasonal changes can put extra strain on your feet and lead to an increase in heel pain.
At Profeet Podiatry, we want you to enjoy everything summer has to offer without being held back by sore feet. Here’s what you need to know about common causes of summer heel pain and how to prevent it.
Why Does Heel Pain Increase in Summer?
One of the biggest reasons heel pain can develop during summer is a change in footwear. Flat thongs, unsupportive sandals and walking barefoot for extended periods often provide little cushioning or arch support. This can place additional stress on the heel and surrounding tissues.
A common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, which occurs when the plantar fascia – a thick band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot – becomes irritated. You may notice sharp pain under your heel, particularly when taking your first steps in the morning or after sitting for a while.
Other potential causes include heel fat pad irritation, Achilles tendon problems and increased activity levels. Walking longer distances, spending more time standing or suddenly increasing your exercise routine can also contribute to discomfort.
Can wearing thongs cause heel pain?
Yes! Wearing flat thongs for extended periods can contribute to heel pain, particularly if they offer little cushioning or arch support. While they’re a summer favourite, regularly choosing supportive sandals can help reduce unnecessary strain on your feet.
5 Tips to Prevent Summer Heel Pain
- Choose supportive summer footwear: Look for sandals with cushioning, good arch support and a secure fit. Avoid wearing flat thongs for long walks, shopping trips or days spent on your feet.
- Avoid walking barefoot for too long: Walking barefoot on hard surfaces, including tiles and concrete, can increase pressure on your heels. Wear supportive footwear around the house if you are prone to heel pain.
- Increase activity gradually: If you plan to start running, walking or exercising more frequently over summer, build up your activity levels gradually. Sudden increases in distance or intensity can place extra stress on your feet.
- Stretch your calves and feet, and build lower limb strength: Gentle calf and plantar fascia stretches may help reduce tension around your heel, particularly if you experience pain with your first steps in the morning. Alongside stretching, gradually building strength through your calves, feet and lower limbs can help improve your ability to tolerate increased loads and better manage the demands placed on your feet. Focus on progressively building strength and capacity over time, rather than relying on stretching alone.
- Don’t ignore persistent pain: If your heel pain continues, worsens or affects your ability to walk comfortably, seek advice from a podiatrist. Early assessment can help identify the cause and guide appropriate treatment.
When Should You See a Podiatrist for Heel Pain?
If your heel pain is persistent, particularly painful first thing in the morning or starting to affect your everyday activities, it may be time to see a podiatrist. Identifying the underlying cause early can help prevent discomfort from interfering with your summer plans.
Experiencing heel pain this summer? The team at Profeet Podiatry can assess your symptoms, identify potential contributing factors and recommend a personalised management plan to help you get back on your feet comfortably.
Don’t let heel pain hold you back this summer! Book an appointment with Farheen at Profeet Podiatry today and take the first step towards happier, healthier feet!