By Melissa J. Lockwood, DPM, Heartland Foot and Ankle
Clothing, passport, toiletries, accessories — when you travel you have a lot of important items to fit into your suitcase. Two of the most essential ingredients in an enjoyable vacation don’t go in your luggage: your own feet. Whether you’re walking on a sandy beach or strolling through a bustling marketplace, healthy feet that feel and look great can make the journey much more enjoyable.
Here are some handy foot care tips to help get your feet travel-ready:
Before you go
If your vacation is to a warm destination where you’ll spend time in sandals and flip flops, treating yourself to a pre-trip pedicure can help your feet look their best. Be sure to choose a reputable salon and bring your own instruments and nail polish. I recommend Dr.’s Remedy nail polish — safe for moms and kids and no harmful chemicals. There are over 20 great colors for you to choose from!
You should also take care of unsightly and uncomfortable toe and foot fungus infections before you go. There are innovative, state-of-the-art laser treatments for zapping out toenail fungus and a great cosmetic treatment, keryflex, for covering it up during your trip!
While you may be tempted to only pack cute flip flops for your beach trip, and impressive fashion boots for cooler locales, keep comfort in mind, too. Walking in uncomfortable shoes can cause blisters and chafing; sore feet can really put a damper on the enjoyment of your vacation. Never take brand-new shoes on vacation. Instead, pack a few pairs of comfortable shoes made of breathable, natural materials and try to stick with a lower, cushioned sole.
Finally, pack a foot care kit that includes bandages for covering minor cuts and scrapes, antibiotic cream, an emollient-enriched moisturizer, blister pads, an oral anti-inflammatory medication to ease tired and swollen feet. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
On the move
While on vacation, change socks daily to help reduce the risk of fungal infection. You should also avoid walking barefoot in public places like pools, locker rooms, and showers. If you pick up a fungal infection while traveling, treat it promptly to prevent it from spreading.
If your feet will be exposed to the sun on the beach, remember to apply sunscreen to them too. Since feet can swell in hot climates, be sure to drink plenty of water that will help keep you hydrated and minimize swelling.
It is important to choose footwear that’s appropriate for the type of activity you’ll be doing each day. It’s normal for feet to feel a little tired and sore after a long day of walking around seeing the sights. If serious pain occurs or your feet continue to hurt even after you’ve returned home, contact your podiatrist. Bon Voyage!
For more information, you may contact Heartland Foot and Ankle at 309-661-9975, located at 10 Heartland Dr. in Bloomington. They have same day appointments for tired travelers and carry Dr.’s Remedy Nail Polish as well as other foot care products. Check out their website at www.HeartlandFootAndAnkle.com for more information on their fungal nail laser and keryflex nail restoration treatment!