Tips for Tropical Trips

At Goldsmith Podiatry, we know that winter in Manhattan has many patients longing for some fun in the sun. If a vacation to a warmer climate is in your plans, we would like to offer the following tips for protecting the health of your feet.

Start Your Trip Off Right

Your vacation starts the moment you leave your home. Be sure you are wearing comfortable shoes, so you don’t arrive in paradise with foot pain. Long walks between terminals necessitate tried and true shoes that won’t cause blisters or heel pain. In addition, unless you have TSA pre-check, keep your socks on until after security as you don’t want to walk barefoot and chance picking up athlete’s foot on your way to the plane.

Pack Smart

Sure, you’re longing to slip your feet into that strappy pair of sandals you got on clearance at the end of the summer but be sure you have comfortable walking shoes as well for shopping and sight seeing. If tennis, hiking or another physical activity will be part of your recreation time, bring the appropriate shoes to prevent injury. Finally, pack a small foot care kit with nail clippers, emery board, moleskin, bandages and antibiotic ointment to take care of minor foot and nail needs while you’re away.

Enjoy Your Stay

Sunny climes require sunscreen on your feet—even on days when you are not at the pool or beach if you are wearing sandals or other open-style shoes that expose the skin on your feet. Choose a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and apply it to your feet as often as you do the rest of your body. Don’t forget to reapply after swimming. Use flip flops around the pool deck and in restrooms and changing areas to avoid fungal infections which are spread by direct contact.

We hope you enjoy your tropical vacation, but if you return with an unwanted souvenir—pain, rash, or swelling in your feet or ankles, contact our Upper West Side office for an appointment (212-877-1002) with our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith or Dr. Rosanna Troia.