Dr. Gagliardi's tips for your feet at the beach

As you head to the beach this summer we wanted to discuss some common injuries to look out for and some simple preventative treatments that you can utilize.Wear shoes to protect your feet from puncture wounds and cuts caused by sea shells, broken glass and other sharp objects. If jellyfish tentacles stick to the foot or ankle, remove them, but protect your hands from getting stung too. Vinegar, meat tenderizer or baking soda reduces pain and swelling. Also, do not forget to apply sunscreen to the tops and bottoms of your feet. Sand, sidewalks and paved surfaces get hot in the summer sun. Wear shoes to protect your soles from getting burned, especially if you have diabetes. Walking, jogging and playing sports on soft, uneven surfaces like sand frequently leads to arch pain, heel pain, ankle sprains and other injuries. Athletic shoes provide the heel cushioning and arch support that flip-flops and sandals lack. The 20 million Americans with diabetes face serious foot safety risks at the beach. Any type of skin break on a diabetic foot has the potential to get infected and ulcerate if it is not noticed right away. Diabetics should always wear shoes to the beach, and remove them regularly to check for foreign objects like sand and shells that can cause sores, ulcers and infections.