- Before traveling, visit a podiatric physician if you are experiencing any pain, problems, or discomfort with your feet or ankles. Foot pain is NOT normal.
- To condition your feet and legs, begin a regular walking program wearing the shoes you plan to travel with - include inclines if your destination has hilly terrain - at least four weeks before your trip.
- Review your travel itinerary and the activities planned to determine the kinds of shoes you will need (should pack).
- Take a few pairs of supportive, comfortable shoes, and plenty of appropriate socks so they can be changed frequently. Try not to take new shoes that have never been worn.
- When traveling, periodically flex feet at the ankles, wiggle toes, unlace shoes if feet swell, keep legs uncrossed, and move around if possible (especially during airplane travel - get up and move around once for every hour on the plane).
- Be prepared: in case of a minor foot problem, pack adhesive bandages, talcum powder, antibiotic or first aid cream, tweezers, and nail clippers in your toiletry bag.
- If you injure your foot or ankle while away, seek professional attention from a podiatric physician. We often assume that if a toe is broken, that it doesn't require treatment. That is not true. When traveling within the United States or Puerto Rico, contact the state podiatric medical association to obtain a referral to a local podiatrist, or access www.apma.orgvia the Internet to locate a podiatrist.
- Limit walking barefoot to safe, sandy beaches or close to the pool. Walking barefoot exposes feet to sunburn, as well as the plantar wart virus, athlete's foot, and other infections.
- Regularly apply sunscreen to the tops of your feet.
- Treat your feet well after a long day of sightseeing, shopping, or hiking: massage them and keep them elevated.
Reprinted with the permission of the APMA. (June, 2006)
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