Take Care of Your Feet Before, During, and After Your Next Vacation
Many patients will be headed out of town for relaxing getaways this winter. However, whether you're home or away, there's nothing relaxing about foot pain. Here are some tips to keep your feet in great shape and prevent a podiatric illness or injury from ruining your good time:
Be sure to pack the right shoes for your trip. A blister is a small problem with big repercussions. Wear sensible, comfortable shoes for walking during the day. Bring athletic shoes or hiking shoes as appropriate. If you get a new pair, break them in before you go. Save those beautiful high heels for occasional evening wear. Protect yourself from toenail fungus and other infections. Be sure to pack a pair of sandals for use on pool decks and in locker areas, and slippers for in your hotel room.
Create a foot first aid kit to bring along on your trip. Include bandages, topical antibiotic, tweezers, toenail clippers, and blister pads or moleskin.
Visit your foot doctor for a check-up before setting out. This is especially important if you are recovering from a foot or ankle injury or if you have diabetes. With years of training and experience, your board-certified podiatrist is the best-qualified expert to diagnose and treat any issues related to your feet, ankles, and lower legs.
Are you taking a long plane flight or driving a long distance? Drink plenty of water to prevent edema (swelling) in the lower legs. Be sure to get up and walk around periodically to prevent dangerous blood clots called DVT's. These can travel to the lungs or heart and cause complications, hospitalization, and even death.
If your trip includes time on the beach, lucky you! Don't stop applying sunscreen on your ankles. The skin on your feet is vulnerable to burning and skin cancer, too.
Contact James C. Ricketti, DPM and let us address all your foot and ankle needs. Our board-certified podiatrist will tailor treatments based on your individual needs and with our state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment options, we’ll help you get back on your feet in no time! Call our office today at 609-587-1674 to make an appointment at our conveniently located Hamilton, NJ office.