As a podiatrist and parent, I’ve seen the joy of summer through my kids’ eyes as they race through summer camps in the Carolinas or splash along the beaches of Hilton Head. But I’ve also treated countless kids whose summer fun was sidelined by foot issues, from blisters to sprains.
At Elevate Foot and Ankle, our telehealth practice serves families across North and South Carolina, and we want kids and adults to stay active without the hassle of clinic visits. With summer camps and beach vacations in full swing, I’m sharing my personal insights and expert tips to keep your kids’ feet healthy so they can make every summer moment count!
My Story: A Lesson from My Daughter’s Summer Camp
Last summer, my daughter came home from a weeklong camp near Lake Norman limping from a painful blister on her heel. In all the hustle and bustle of daily life, we overlooked an important detail: Her sneakers had become too tight, and the camp’s daily hikes on uneven trails turned a small rub into a raw, infected sore.
As a podiatrist and a dad, I felt guilty for not catching it sooner, but it was a good reminder that kids’ foot issues can escalate during summer activities. Among others, that experience shapes how I guide parents through Elevate Foot and Ankle’s virtual visits to prevent and treat these problems, no travel required.
Summer Foot Care Challenges for Kids
Kids’ feet are growing fast, and summer’s intensity, from camp obstacle courses or barefoot beach runs, puts them at risk. Here’s how to protect them:
Summer Camp Strains
Summer camp is a time-honored tradition in the Carolinas, and there are plenty of great options to choose from. Camps across North and South Carolina, from the mountains near Boone to coastal programs in Wilmington, keep kids active with hiking, soccer, courses, and more.
But ill-fitting shoes or worn-out soles can lead to blisters, plantar fasciitis, or even stress fractures. I treated a 10-year-old camper via telehealth after she developed arch pain from running in flat sneakers during a Charleston camp. Her parents messaged me through our HIPAA-compliant portal, and we resolved it with shoe recommendations and a stretching plan.
Tip: Don’t make the mistake I did. Check your child’s shoes for wear, and replace them if the tread is smooth or the sides are collapsing. Choose sneakers with a firm heel counter and good arch support for camp activities. If pain starts, schedule a virtual visit with Elevate Foot and Ankle to assess the issue and get personalized treatment.
Beach Vacation Hazards
Beach trips to places like Myrtle Beach or the Outer Banks are a Carolina summer staple, but hot sand, sharp shells, and wet flip-flops can cause trouble. In addition to the potential for cuts and burns on hot sand, there’s always a risk of bacterial infections when you go barefoot on the beach. While the sand may feel good between your toes, it’s best to wear protective footwear before hitting the beach.
Tip: Have kids wear water shoes with sturdy soles on the beach to protect against cuts and burns. After swimming, dry feet thoroughly to avoid fungal infections, especially between toes. Use a natural antifungal powder, which I can recommend during a virtual appointment with Elevate Foot and Ankle.
Growth Spurts and Foot Pain
Summer often coincides with growth spurts, which can cause heel pain as a result of Sever’s disease in active kids aged 8-13. I’ve treated younger patients who have complained of heel soreness after soccer camp. Their parents often book evening telehealth visits, allowing me to identify tight calf muscles from rapid growth. We then ordered a supportive shoe insert and prescribed calf stretches, all without leaving home.
Tip: Watch for kids limping or avoiding activities. Stretch their calves daily, and try 20 seconds of wall pushes, three times per side. After your virtual visit with Elevate Foot and Ankle, I can recommend a personalized stretching routine as well as order orthotics through our portal to support growing feet.
Summer Foot Care Essentials
Before heading out for summer activities, I have some tips to share that apply to all kids. Whether you’re sending your little one off to camp of taking a family trip to the beach or the mountains, below are some ways to make the trip memorable, and more importantly, pain-free:
Shoe Checks
Kids outgrow shoes fast. Measure their feet every 2-3 months, ensuring a thumb’s width of space at the toe. Avoid hand-me-downs, as they mold to the previous wearer’s foot shape and may have issues that you aren’t aware of until your child brings them up.
Hydration and Skin Care
Hot, humid Carolina summers cause sweaty feet, increasing blister risk. Use breathable socks made from cotton or moisture-wicking blends to keep things dry. If dry skin,especially around the heels, becomes an issue, apply a natural moisturizer at night to prevent cracked skin. I can suggest kid-safe products via a virtual visit.
Injury Prevention
Teach kids to walk, not run, on wet surfaces at camp or the beach to avoid ankle sprains. If they twist an ankle, use the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and message me through our portal for next steps.
Why Telehealth with Elevate Foot and Ankle?
As a telehealth-only practice, Elevate Foot and Ankle makes foot care easy for busy families. No driving to a clinic, and no waiting rooms; just expert care from the comfort of home.
My daughter’s blister incident taught me how quickly parents need answers, especially during summer. Our evening and weekend appointments fit your schedule, and our HIPAA-compliant portal lets you message me directly with concerns or photos of your child’s feet.
I can then meet with you virtually to prescribe medications or natural supplements or order orthotics to keep your kids active. For serious cases, I’ll coordinate with local specialists across North or South Carolina to get you the care your family needs.
When to Book a Virtual Visit
Contact Elevate Foot and Ankle if your child has:
- Persistent foot or heel pain, especially after camp or beach time
- Redness, swelling, or cuts that don’t improve in 24-48 hours
- Limping or reluctance to run and play
We also encourage parents to schedule a virtual visit before taking long trips with the kids or sending them off to camp. This visit gives me a chance to learn about your child’s foot health and address any concerns before they become major issues.
Make This Summer Memorable for Your Entire Family
Summer should be about your kids’ laughter at camp or building sandcastles on Carolina beaches, not foot pain. At Elevate Foot and Ankle, we’re here to keep your family moving with convenient, expert telehealth care, available anywhere in North and South Carolina. Let’s make this summer their best yet!
Book Your Telehealth Podiatry Visit With Elevate Foot and Ankle Now!
Book a telehealth visit with Elevate Foot and Ankle right now to ensure your kids’ feet are ready for summer fun. We offer flexible scheduling, and you also receive access to direct messaging through our convenient patient portal!
Dr. Thurmond Lanier
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