As summer time arrives, more of us will be heading outdoors and enjoying the warmer weather and engaging in some fun activities.  According to Dr. Ross Cohen of The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland, the cases of plantar fasciitis, inflammation of the fascia, tend to increase in the summer due to engaging in more outdoor activities and not wearing the proper shoes.
Just like sunscreen protects your skin, the right habits protect your feet.  A few simple steps can go a long way in helping keep your feet strong, supported, and pain-free this summer.

*Do stretches, especially before getting out of bed in the morning or after you have been sitting for a longer period of time.  These stretches can also be done at the end of a long day.  Rolling a tennis ball along the bottom of your foot from heel to toe is a great way to stretch and another would be making circles with your ankle.

*Make sure you are wearing proper shoes for the activity you are doing.  A supportive shoe with a good arch helps redistribute the pressure along the bottom of your foot and reduces the amount of shock if you are walking on harder surfaces or doing high impact activities.

At the end of the day don’t forget to sit back and relax.  Enjoy the beautiful sunset, walk on the beach, and take a deep breath.  Simply enjoy the moment, you have earned it!