Whether your holiday plans include spending time with family or a thrilling adventure, the last thing you want is to have painful feet spoil your trip. Follow these podiatrist-approved tips to keep your feet happy during your travels!
Moisturize – The dry winter air can take a toll on your skin, especially your feet. Moisturizing daily helps to avoid dry, cracked skin.
1. Break In Your Shoes
You want to be able to enjoy your vacation and seeing new sights, but if you’re wearing uncomfortable shoes it can quickly ruin your experience. Whether you’re planning on dressing up for dinner in a cute pair of heels or hitting the beach to soak up the sun, a good-fitting pair of shoes are key. However, new shoes need to be broken in before you wear them on a trip. It’s best to avoid taking new shoes out on a long hike or girls night right away; it will only lead to feet pain that will put a damper on your trip!
To help break your shoes in before a big event, try to wear them around the house for short periods of time. This will allow the shoes to stretch and loosen up, and help you to get a better fit on your feet. The more flexible a shoe, the less likely it will be to rub or cause blisters.
To speed up the process, add a thin layer of moisture-retaining sock over your feet while you’re wearing your new shoes. This will also prevent your shoes from rubbing against the skin, which can be painful and annoying. Some podiatrists at Modern Medicine even recommend taping your third and fourth toes together before putting on heels, as this can help reduce the amount of pressure that’s placed on these sensitive nerves.
2. Bring Extra Socks
Whether you’re standing in line at the airport or walking miles to your next destination, your feet get a workout on travel days. Taking good care of your feet will help you avoid foot pain and injuries on your trip.
A pair of comfy socks is a must. A good sock can help prevent blisters, odor and foot fungus while traveling. A good sock should also be breathable and moisture wicking. Moisture can cause your socks to feel wet and clump together, creating a perfect environment for fungus. It is important to regularly inspect your socks for odor, fungus and other signs of problems.
A pair of socks that have a compression level can help alleviate the swelling from long flights. Bombas Performance Compression Socks provide a comfortable fit and have a graduated level of support to reduce swelling and help improve circulation. These socks are available in a variety of colors and sizes and can be found online or at your local pharmacy. Another great option is a pair of Wildly Good Merino wool socks. These socks are made from 86% extra-fine merino wool and contain antimicrobial properties to deter foot odor. These socks also have a comfortable anatomical pressure-free fit to help eliminate bunions, calluses and heel spurs. This sock is also breathable and moisture wicking making it the ideal travel sock!
3. Don’t Forget Your Orthotics
Your feet will be on show while you’re traveling, so they need to look great. Wearing shoes that your podiatrist would approve of will ensure they don’t get irritated or damaged while you’re out and about. Avoid narrow or pointed shoes and instead go for those with wide, round fronts. It’s also important to measure both of your feet and compare them before buying shoes. Many people have one foot slightly larger than the other, so ensuring that the shoes you’re trying on fit comfortably is vitally important.
If you find yourself with foot pain during your travels, it’s essential to take immediate action to reduce the symptoms and prevent further damage. Resting and elevating your feet, applying a cold compress, and taking over-the-counter medication can all be very helpful in relieving the pain and swelling of your feet.
Those looking for additional support while walking, running or exploring should consider custom orthotics. Designed based on a podiatrist’s assessment of your feet, they can provide the extra arch support you need to help alleviate issues like overpronation and supination which lead to discomfort.
4. Keep Your Feet Hydrated
Traveling can be a blast but it can also be exhausting. It’s essential to take steps to make sure that your feet are happy and healthy throughout your trip – whether you’re blazing a trail in rainy mountainous terrain or navigating a bustling city.
Air travel can be especially tough on feet because of long delays, waiting at security, and cramped airplanes. The best thing you can do is keep hydrated – be sure to pack a water bottle and sip it regularly during the flight. Staying hydrated will help reduce swelling in your feet and ankles.
Sitting for prolonged periods of time, such as during plane rides, can cause fluid to build up in your lower legs and feet – a condition called edema. To prevent this, try and walk around a few times an hour, even if it’s just walking up and down the aisle. Elevating your legs and feet from time to time is also a good idea, as this will encourage blood flow and decrease swelling.
Swollen feet and ankles can be a sign of a serious condition like DVT (deep vein thrombosis) or blood clots, which require immediate medical attention. If you are concerned about your foot health while traveling, be sure to talk with local podiatrist in Ballarat VIC before your next vacation and come up with a plan to protect your feet.
