Blisters, Swelling and Foot Pain Oh My! Many of you have been planning your summer vacation (or stay-cation at the Lake) for some time now. Sadly, far too many foot and ankle injuries occur on vacation due to being in an unfamiliar environment or being ill-prepared for the everyday aches and pains that are bound to happen when you’re having fun. There’s nothing worse than coming back from summer vacation with great memories, but hurting feet. Keep these hazards and tips in mind this summer and let your feet enjoy your break as well.
Vacation Hazards & Da Vinci Tips
Vacation Hazard: Foot Swelling During Travel
Feet and ankles often experience what is called “pins and needles numbness” or swelling during long flights or drives. This is usually due to a lack of circulation.
Da Vinci Tip: If you are traveling for more than 2 hours via car or other transportation method, make sure to stretch your legs, do ankle rolls, and bend your knees several times per hour. This will help with circulation, stiffness, blood clots and swelling. Flex, extend and contract your muscles as often as you can.
You can also check our “Foot Health for Travelers” Blog here .
Vacation Hazard: Sunburn
So many times we overlook our feet when applying sunscreen. Feet can experience very painful sunburns and blistering when not protected under the sun.
Da Vinci Tip: Be sure to generously apply sunscreen on your feet before going outside and also frequently throughout the day, as water, sweat and walking easily rubs it off. We recommend using a natural sunscreen that is SPF 50 or above.
Vacation Hazard: Blisters
Blisters are a very common vacation problem. Most blisters are caused by shoes that don’t fit properly, which leads to friction between the shoe and the skin.
Da Vinci Tip: Prevent blisters from ruining your summer fun by wearing comfortable, supportive shoes that fit properly (of course we recommend Vionic’s, see why here). You should also be sure to bring several pairs of shoes on vacation so you can frequently switch them out if one begins causing problems. If you plan to wear new shoes, always wear them a few day prior to vacationing so that you can see how they will affect your feet. Blisters are also formed through excessive sweat and friction. We suggest bringing some type of foot powder with you on vacation and applying it frequently to avoid this.
Vacation Hazard: Beach and Lake Side Boo-Boo’s
If you plan to hit the water this year, always take caution when first entering any lake, pool, ocean or other water source. Things like broken glass, sharp rocks and stinging jellyfish can cause scrapes, cuts and injuries that are vulnerable to waterborne bacteria that can cause infections and foot injuries.
Da Vinci Tip: You can cut back on the chances of serious foot injuries by wearing protective water shoes. Always look where you’re stepping when in water, and if you incur an injury or scrape, treat and cover it immediately with gauze or a band aid to protect it from further exposure to elements.
Vacation Hazard: Offensive Foot Odor
You may be planning to vacation with family or close friends, but foot odor is still as hazardous to them as if you were a total stranger!
Da Vinci Tip: Powder your feet before and after long walks. This will help to absorb the sweat on your feet and in your shoes. We also recommend packing Zorpads. You can pick them up at any of our Da Vinci Foot and Ankle locations and place them in any style or size shoe. These tiny patches can absorb odors for up to 60 sweaty wears without you even feeling them under your feet (watch Zorpads inventors speak about their product on live TV here).
Last but not least,
Bring an emergency “Foot Kit” in your carry on
Even with the right shoes, mishaps such as blisters or splinters can occur. Pack a foot health kit in your carry on just in case. Include a small and medium sized band aid, an antibiotic cream, bunion pads, nail filer, baby powder and toenail clippers.
We hope you have a wonderful Summer this year and that your feet enjoy your vacation just as much as you will!
You don’t have to live with pain. Da Vinci Foot and Ankle can help! Call your nearest location below to book your consultation appointment with one of our Doctors.
CLICK HERE to book your next appointment at Da Vinci Foot and Ankle.
Lake Oconee, GA 706-999-9994
West Augusta, GA 706-597-0102
Madison, GA 706-999-9994