Do’s and Don’ts for a Foot-Friendly Vacation
Nothing ruins a summer getaway faster than foot pain or an injury. At Goldsmith Podiatry, we want our patients to enjoy their vacations. It’s easy to prevent foot and ankle problems with a little thoughtful planning and packing. Below are some do’s and don’ts for having a fun trip that’s not interrupted by foot troubles.
Do: plan to wear comfortable shoes on your travel days. Whether you’re going by plane, train or automobile, chances are there will be walking involved and luggage to tote. Your trusty sneakers are a safe bet for avoiding blisters and injuries.
Do: pack more than one pair of shoes. Even if you are only going away for a long weekend, you don’t want to be stuck with shoes that are causing your foot pain.
Don’t: forget to pack a mini foot emergency kit. It should include moleskin to protect skin from blisters, bandages and antibiotic cream for minor cuts or scrapes and anti-fungal cream or powder to help prevent athlete’s foot and fungal nails. Nail clippers and emery board are also a good idea in case you snag a nail, and the jagged edge needs fixing to prevent getting caught on something and tearing.
Do: match your footwear to your itinerary. Strappy sandals won’t cut it on a hiking trail or if you decide to talk a long walk to burn off some vacation calories. Even one hike in the wrong shoes can lead to an ankle sprain or other podiatric injuries.
Do: bring a pair of flip-flops or water shoes if you will be spending your vacation at a resort or hotel with a pool or fitness center. Walking barefoot in public places is a quick way to end up with a fungal infection, wart, or other condition that is transmitted by direct contact.
Don’t: put off seeking treatment if after your vacation you have ongoing foot pain or notice a rash, swelling, or any other unusual foot or ankle symptoms. Make an appointment at our Upper West Side office by calling 212-877-1002. Our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith or Dr. Rosanna Troia will examine your feet to determine if a foot or ankle problem is present and the best way to treat it.