Summer is the season of adventure. Whether you’re hiking scenic trails, exploring a new city, cycling along the coast, strolling a boardwalk, navigating the cobblestone streets of Italy, or spending the day at the beach or pool, your feet play an essential role in helping you enjoy every moment.
“Vacation activities often mean more walking, standing, and physical activity than we’re used to in our daily routines,” shares Jay N Bhuta, DPM, Program Director of Podiatry at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center. “Different destinations bring different challenges, placing unique demands on your feet and ankles.”
Here are some tips from Dr. Bhuta on how to avoid common foot concerns that can put a damper on your plans:
Choose the Right Footwear
One of the best ways to keep your feet healthy while traveling is to choose footwear that matches your activity and destination.
Foot-Friendly Tips:
- Wear supportive walking shoes for sightseeing and long days on your feet.
- Choose hiking shoes or boots for trails and uneven terrain.
- Pack water shoes for beach, pool, or water activities.
- Break in new shoes before your vacation.
- Consider bringing more than one pair of shoes if your trip includes a variety of activities.
Protect Against Blisters and Infections
Keeping your feet clean and dry is especially important during the hot summer months. Moisture from sweat, swimming, or humid weather can increase the risk of blisters and fungal infections. Public pools, locker rooms, and communal showers can also expose your feet to athlete’s foot and plantar warts.
If you’re spending your days alternating between water activities and walking, be sure to dry your feet thoroughly before putting shoes back on. Damp skin is more prone to friction, which can quickly turn a fun day into a painful one.
Foot-Friendly Tips:
- Change out of damp socks regularly.
- Dry thoroughly between your toes.
- Wear sandals or water shoes in public wet areas.
- Pack blister bandages or moleskin if you’ll be walking long distances.
Don’t Forget Sun Protection
Many people remember to apply sunscreen to their face, shoulders, and arms but overlook their feet. The tops of the feet and toes are particularly vulnerable to sunburn, especially when wearing sandals or spending time at the beach, pool, or on a bike.
Foot-Friendly Tips:
- Apply sunscreen to the tops of your feet and toes.
- Reapply after swimming or prolonged outdoor activity.
- Wear water shoes or sandals on hot surfaces to avoid burns.
Listen to Your Feet
It’s normal to experience some soreness after a day of hiking, sightseeing, or other physical activity. However, persistent foot or ankle pain shouldn’t be ignored. Pain, swelling, numbness, recurring blisters, ingrown toenails, or injuries that don’t improve with rest may signal an underlying problem.
Many people push through discomfort while on vacation, only to find the issue lingering long after they’ve returned home. Addressing concerns early can help prevent more serious problems and keep you active throughout the summer.
When to See a Podiatrist
If you’re planning a trip that involves extensive walking, hiking, or other physical activity and already experience foot pain, it may be worth seeing a podiatrist before you travel. A podiatrist can help identify potential issues and recommend treatments, supportive footwear, or orthotics that can make your trip more comfortable.
Put Your Best Foot Forward This Summer
No matter what your summer plans look like, healthy feet can help you make the most of every experience. Taking a few simple precautions before you travel can help keep you comfortable, active, and ready for wherever the season takes you. After all, while your destination may change, your feet are along for every step of the journey.
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If you're having pain in your foot or ankle, RWJBarnabas Health offers premier medical services with award-winning care and board-certified orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists in New Jersey. We provide cutting-edge technology critical for precise diagnosis and effective treatment of foot and ankle injuries.
Neglecting foot or ankle pain can lead to worsening conditions. Prompt attention from our orthopedic and podiatric experts can prevent complications and enhance the healing process. Request an appointment today.