What’s in Your Suitcase?

Inquiring minds at Goldsmith Podiatry want to know, have you remembered your feet when packing for summer vacation? The best summer fashions will be useless if you’re sidelined with a podiatric problem that prevents you from being on your feet and enjoying vacation activities. Below are a few items we suggest packing to keep your feet and ankles safe and healthy.

Nail clippers and emery board—a nail with a rough edge can easily get caught on a sock or beach towel and tear, resulting in a painful injury. Never file a toenail in a rounded shape, however, as this can encourage the nail to grow downward into the nail bed and become ingrown.

Shower shoes or flip-flops—a vacation that includes beach or pool time requires an easy slip-on shoe to wear in changing areas, restrooms and while walking around the pool deck. That’s where fungus and viruses that come from other people’s feet like to hang out. Athlete’s foot, warts and fungal toenail infections are spread by direct contact so if your feet are covered, they’re protected.

Moleskin—touring local sites or souvenir shopping with sweaty feet create friction with footwear that can result in a painful blister. It’s amazing how something so small can make walking impossibly painful! Apply moleskin as soon as you notice a spot on the skin of your foot getting sore to prevent a blister from forming.

Mini first aid kit—some antibiotic ointment and bandages are useful for treating minor cuts and scrapes. Cleanse the area completely and then apply the ointment and a bandage.

Refillable water bottle—you may be wondering what this item has to do with your feet, but drinking lots of water will help prevent swelling of the feet and ankles (also known as edema). Swollen feet and ankles are painful and can also make shoes too tight, which can lead to blisters and sores.

Orthotics—if our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith or Dr. Rosanna Troia have prescribed a custom orthotic device to treat a foot condition, be sure to pack it with you for your vacation. Going without your orthotic while you’re away will likely result in foot pain, which may keep you from doing all that you want to do with your time off.

If you come home with any concerning foot symptoms or pain, contact our Upper West Side office by calling: 212-877-1002 for an appointment.