Summer is often the time of year when people become more active. Longer days, better weather, holidays and outdoor events naturally lead to more walking, running and exercise. While this is great for overall health, sudden increases in activity can sometimes place unexpected strain on the feet and lower limbs.

Every year, we see a noticeable rise in patients attending clinic with pain linked to walking, running and overuse injuries during the summer months.

Why Injuries Increase During Summer

For many people, activity levels change quickly during summer. This might include starting a new running routine, increasing step counts on holiday, walking more frequently outdoors or spending longer on their feet at events and social occasions.

Often, the body simply hasn’t had time to adapt to the increased demand.

Footwear can also play a role, particularly when supportive trainers are replaced with flatter or less structured summer shoes.

Common Injuries We See

Plantar Fasciitis – One of the most common causes of heel pain, plantar fasciitis often develops gradually and may feel worse first thing in the morning or after periods of rest.

Achilles Tendon Pain – Increased walking, running or hill activity can overload the Achilles tendon, leading to stiffness, tenderness and pain around the back of the heel.

Shin Splints – Shin pain is particularly common in people returning to running too quickly or increasing intensity without allowing enough recovery.

Ankle Pain & Instability – Uneven ground, poor footwear and increased activity can all aggravate underlying ankle weakness or instability.

Forefoot Pain – Long periods walking in thin-soled footwear can place extra pressure through the ball of the foot, leading to discomfort and inflammation.

The Importance of Early Assessment

One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to “push through” pain, especially during holidays or when training for an event.

Addressing symptoms early often leads to faster recovery and reduces the risk of longer-term issues developing.

At The Gait Lab, our podiatrists assess not only where the pain is, but why it may have developed. This may include looking at biomechanics, footwear, activity levels and movement patterns.

Treatment Options

Depending on the cause of pain, treatment may include:

• Footwear advice
• Rehabilitation exercises
• Load management strategies
• Custom orthotics
• Shockwave therapy
• Laser therapy

The aim is always to reduce pain while helping patients return to activity safely and confidently.

Staying Active Comfortably

Activity is important for long-term health, and most injuries can be managed effectively with the right support and advice. Small changes to footwear, training habits or recovery can often make a significant difference.

Key Takeaways

Summer often brings increased activity levels, which can place extra strain on the feet and lower limbs. Early assessment, supportive footwear and gradual progression in activity can help prevent common walking and running injuries from becoming longer-term problems.

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