As temperatures rise and the days get longer, many of us are eager to shed our winter layers and spend more time outdoors. But with that increase in activity comes a spike in foot and ankle injuries that can quickly derail your summer plans. From weekend warriors on the pickleball court to folks tackling yard work in sandals, the risks are real—but preventable.

One of the most common complaints this time of year is Achilles tendinitis. After a long, sedentary winter, jumping into physical activity without gradually building up strength or stretching properly can inflame the Achilles tendon. It’s an injury I see frequently as people get excited to move again—but they’re often wearing flip-flops or minimalist shoes that offer zero support. That’s a recipe for pain and prolonged recovery.

Another rising culprit? Pickleball injuries. Yes, really. Pickleball has exploded in popularity across all age groups, but especially among middle-aged and older adults. It’s fast, it’s fun, and it’s deceptively demanding. The quick lateral movements and abrupt stops stress the tendons, ligaments, and joints—particularly when players don’t warm up properly or wear the wrong shoes. I’ve treated everything from minor sprains to full-on ruptures in patients who “just wanted to try it out once.”

ATV-related injuries also spike in summer. It might seem harmless to hop on for a ride through the woods, but without the right footwear or caution, it can end badly. I’ve seen patients come in with broken ankles, deep cuts, and bruises from riding in sandals—or worse, barefoot. Off-roading and open-toed shoes don’t mix, especially on unpredictable terrain.

Then there are the lawncare mishaps—the kind nobody thinks will happen until they do. Every year, thousands of people end up in the ER after mowing the lawn in flip-flops or barefoot. The injuries range from deep lacerations to partial toe amputations. It takes just one slip or rock to turn routine yardwork into an emergency. Proper shoes are a simple way to avoid a painful—and preventable—accident.

Even bug bites deserve more attention than they get. Mosquitoes, ants, and other insects love to bite around the ankles, and for many people, that’s just an itchy nuisance. But for individuals with diabetes or compromised circulation, those bites can become entry points for infection. I’ve treated cellulitis and other serious skin infections that began with something as small as a bite that got scratched too hard or ignored too long.

I often remind patients that small warning signs shouldn’t be brushed off. If you’re noticing persistent pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around your foot or ankle, it’s your body’s way of waving a red flag. Don’t ignore it—especially if you’re on blood thinners, have diabetes, or are prone to circulation issues. I’ve seen minor injuries turn into major setbacks because someone decided to “tough it out.”

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So what can you do to stay active, safe, and pain-free this summer?

• Start with supportive footwear. Sandals may feel breezy, but most offer little to no arch or ankle support. Choose closed-toe, shock-absorbing shoes when doing chores or exercising.

• Stretch before sports or walks, especially after a long break.

• Build up activity gradually—your tendons and muscles need time to adjust.

• Treat bug bites properly, and don’t ignore swelling or skin changes.

• Please, for the love of your toes—don’t mow barefoot.

If something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait. The earlier you treat a foot or ankle injury, the faster and easier your recovery can be.

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Dr. Jen and her team are here to help.
Call us today at (762) 248-6711 or visit our office at 6053 Veterans Parkway, Suite 106, Columbus, GA.
Learn more online at Ankle and Foot Centers – Columbus.

This summer, take care of your feet—and they’ll take care of you.