Hidden Dangers in the Pool

The swimming pool called Olympic (Georgia, Isani, Tbilisi) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

With the temperatures in Houston consistently hitting the 90’s, nothing is more refreshing than a dip in the pool. But if you’re in a pool at a resort, gym, or in a community pool, you need to be wary. There are some dangers lurking around and beneath the water of which you should be aware and mindful.

When you head off to a public pool, the list of belongings in your gym bag needs to include pool shoes and shower thongs. These items are recommended for safety as well as health reasons. However, safety is a priority. The clear blue of the pool looks really inviting, but it’s nearly impossible to see glass on the bottom of the pool, and somehow it manages to find its way there. If a glass gets dropped on the deck and shatters, it’s easy for a shard to end up in the pool.  Wear pool shoes to keep your feet safe from stray glass and uneven tiles. The small tiles used to construct the pool’s bottom have very sharp edges and sometimes are not flush. The raised edge of a mislaid tile can cut your foot as quickly as glass. Pool shoes not only keep your feet safe while in the water, but can reduce the risk of slip and fall injuries while on deck.

The health of your feet is equally as important as keeping them safe from injury. If you don’t wear pool shoes or thongs while on the deck, in the shower, or in the locker room, you expose your feet to athlete’s foot and toenail fungus. Both athlete’s foot and toenail fungus is caused by a fungus that thrives in warm and moist areas. If you are diabetic you must safeguard your feet from health conditions that could result in harm to your feet. Wear your shower thongs or pool shoes, and leave them on your feet until you are ready to pat your feet dry and put on your clean socks and shoes. You may also want to use an anti-fungal spray. Why give fungus a chance. Spray your feet and your shoes and Dr. Bowman will be happy to recommend the proper spray. When you get home, allow your pool shoes time to dry in the sun and fresh air. These are two natural enemies of fungus, and the drying time will ensure they are fresh and ready for your next trip to the pool.

To recap, quickly:

• Watch for hazards
• Wear pool shoes or shower thongs when using public pools, locker rooms, or showers and while on deck
• Keep feet clean and dry
• Use anti-fungal spray on feet and in shoes
• Allow shoes to air-dry completely. The best policy is to not wear the same shoes two days in a row

If you have a foot or ankle injury or a health concern with your feet, call Dr. Bowman at (713) 467-8886 or online at www.houstonfootspecialists.com. His experience and state of the art technology work together to keep your feet healthy and you happy.

References:

http://www.footcaredirect.com/athletes_foot_fungus.html

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