Ah, British summer – blink and you might miss it. But when the sun does make an appearance, we rush to dig out our sandals, head to the garden, or take that much-needed beach day.
And while we’re all for sunshine and fresh air (and yes, please wear suncream), we want to talk about something many people overlook when it comes to foot health – vitamin D.
So here’s your sunny reminder from The Foot Room: protect your skin, but don’t forget to soak up a little sunshine for your soles, because vitamin D is vital for healthy, happy feet.
What is vitamin D?
Vitamin D is often called the “sunshine vitamin” because our bodies produce it when exposed to sunlight. It helps regulate calcium and phosphate in the body, minerals that are essential for maintaining healthy bones, muscles, and immune function.
You can also get vitamin D from food (like oily fish, eggs, and fortified cereals) and supplements, but a short daily burst of sunshine is still one of the best sources.
Why does vitamin D matter for foot health?
Your feet are complex structures made up of 26 bones and over 30 joints. That’s a lot of moving parts – and they all rely on strong bones and muscles to keep you mobile and pain-free.
Low vitamin D levels have been linked to:
- Weakened bones (osteopenia or osteoporosis), increasing the risk of fractures
- Muscle weakness, affecting balance and stability
- Slower healing from injuries or after surgery
- Increased foot pain, including conditions like plantar fasciitis and bone bruising
At The Foot Room, we often see patients with ongoing heel or arch pain who, after a bit of digging (and sometimes blood testing), are found to have vitamin D deficiency. Once corrected, their symptoms often improve significantly.
Sun protection and sun benefits – you can have both
We’re not suggesting you ditch the SPF. In fact, we’re big fans of sun safety, especially on the tops of your feet, which are easily forgotten and very prone to sunburn.
But here’s the good news: you don’t need to sunbathe for hours to benefit from vitamin D.
Try this:
- Spend 10–20 minutes outdoors daily with arms and lower legs exposed.
- Go for a short walk in the morning or enjoy your cup of tea in the garden
- After that, apply suncream or cover up to protect your skin, especially if you’re out for longer periods
Your body will thank you, and so will your feet.
Don’t forget to care for your summer feet
While you’re topping up your vitamin D, make sure your feet are summer-ready too:
- Moisturise daily to prevent dry, cracked heels
- Keep nails trimmed and clean
- Exfoliate and check for hard skin
- Book a podiatry appointment if you’ve got stubborn corns, heel pain, or are overdue a bit of TLC
At The Foot Room, we’re here to support your feet year-round – whether it’s through biomechanical treatments, nail care, or simply helping you stay active and well.
Step into the sun (sensibly)
Summer is a time for lighter steps, longer evenings, and a bit of barefoot freedom (on safe surfaces, of course). So enjoy the sunshine, care for your skin, and remember – a little bit of vitamin D could make a big difference to how your feet feel and function.
Appointments available throughout the summer – book online or give us a call.
📞 01772 378812
