Now more than ever people are traveling again. Whether a vacation, “vaxication” (1st trip after fully vaccinated) or weekend getaway, here are 5 footcare tips to take with you, wherever you go:
1.) When in route to a long distance destination, whether it be plane, train or automobile, your risk of developing lower extremity swelling increases with the amount of time you are sitting down sedentary. Wearing compressions socks to the knee and activating your calf muscles (taking short walks, doing heel raises or ankle range of motions exercises while seated) can help keep the blood flowing, and decrease your risk of swelling. If you have any other preexisting medical diseases, consult with your primary doctor.
- footwRx favorite: Compression Socks for Travel
2.) Be mindful of your footwear. If you plan on wearing sandals, make sure the ones you don have proper arch support your feet. Flat flip flops are no good no matter what foot type you have. A sandal with an arch support, wedge, and comfortable straps will prevent you from developing new or unwarranted foot pain while on your vacation.
- footwRx favorite: Vacation Sandal
3.) Always wear sandals or shoe covers when walking on a frequented surface like a pool or gym. This will add a layer of protection between your feet and potentially harmful surface bacteria, viruses and fungi. Wearing a sandal can also protect against hot surfaces that could result in a painful burn to the plantar foot.
- footwRx favorite (women's): Water-Resistant Sandal
4.) Wear a water shoe or other protective shoe covering if planning on going in an ocean or a lake. Sharp rocks or other unforeseen objects/creatures could lie beneath the surface and result in painful injury to your feet.
- footwRx favorite: Water-Shoe
5.) Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your feet! They can easily burn if neglected and can be the source of many different types of skin cancers.
- footwRx favorite: Water-Resistant Sunscreen