Foot Smart Tips for Summer Travels
At Goldsmith Podiatry, we hope our Manhattan patients are planning fun vacations this summer. Whether you’re traveling near or far, we’d like to offer some suggestions for keeping your feet in tip-top shape and allowing you to enjoy your time off to the max!
Get off on the right foot—choose comfortable, low-heeled shoes for a travel day. Whether you’re running to catch a plane or hauling bags in and out of the car or a train, you’ll want shoes you know you can depend on for comfort.
Keep the blood flowing—long trips by car or plane can inhibit good circulation in your feet and legs. If driving, plan to stop every couple of hours and get out and stretch. Traveling by plane? Think about wearing a pair of compression stockings to reduce swelling and improve circulation.
Foil foot infections— wear flip-flops if your destination involves a pool, beach, or lake. Keeping feet covered in places where others are walking barefoot will prevent the transmission of common foot infections such as warts, athlete’s foot, and toenail fungus.
Match your shoes to your adventures—even if you’re trying to pack light, don’t forgo a pair of sneakers or athletic shoes if you have active pursuits on your itinerary. Attempting to hike, participate in walking tours or play any kind of sports requires the proper footwear to avoid injuries.
Pack a few podiatric essentials—you’ll be glad you have nail clippers and an emery board in case a nail gets jagged. Be sure to bring moleskin to apply to any sore spots and prevent a painful blister from forming. Add some bandages and antibiotic ointment in case of minor cuts or scrapes.
Don’t neglect sunscreen application—if the skin on your feet is exposed, use sunscreen even if you’re not spending the day at the pool or beach. Your feet can just as quickly get burned walking, sightseeing, shopping, or eating outdoors if you’re wearing sandals. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15.
We hope everyone gets some much-deserved rest and relaxation this summer, but if you have a foot or ankle injury or suspicious rash on your feet, contact our Upper West Side Manhattan office by calling 212-877-1002 so our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith, Dr. Rosanna Troia, and Dr. Kristina Ruff can evaluate your condition and take the necessary steps to treat it.