5 Items to Pack for Your Feet

At Affiliated Foot & Ankle Care, we hope that all of our patients are planning to get away this summer. We know, however, that nothing can ruin a summer vacation faster than foot pain or an injury that keeps you off your feet. Fortunately, a little advance planning and a few extra items in your suitcase can help you avoid most common foot problems. Be sure to bring the following:

1. Flip-flops—if your vacation destination includes a pool, ocean or lake, flip-flops will prevent your feet from coming in contact with fungus and viruses that can cause warts, fungal toenails and athlete’s foot. These infection agents love warm, moist places that see a high amount of barefoot traffic.
2. Moleskin—a day of shopping or sightseeing can leave you with an excruciatingly painful blister that can sideline you from any other activities that require walking. A small piece of moleskin applied to a sore spot on your foot can prevent a blister from forming.
3. Refillable water bottle—staying hydrated is good for your whole body but your feet, in particular, will benefit from drinking lots of water. Why? It will help flush excess fluid from your body and prevent edema—or swelling—that can make your shoes tighter and cause pain and blisters.
4. Sunscreen—this is probably already on your pack list, but it’s important that you remember to apply it to your feet along with the rest of your body. Many patients make the mistake of not using sunscreen when they’re not at the beach or pool. But any day where you’ll be out in the sun for a prolonged period in sandals that expose the skin on your feet requires protection from harmful UV rays.
5. Anti-fungal foot powder—a little foot powder each morning will help keep your feet dry. This will help you avoid blisters and also head off fungal infections that can more easily develop if your feet are damp.
6. Sneakers—don’t attempt to hike, play tennis or even a casual game of beach volleyball in flip-flops or sandals. This is likely to result in an ankle sprain or another injury. Bring a pair of sneakers for any physical activities you may participate in.

If you do sustain an injury on your trip, seek medical attention promptly. Follow up with an appointment at our Edison (732-204-6630), Monroe (732-204-6802) or Monmouth Junction (732-204-6945) office when you return so that our podiatrists, Dr. Varun Gujral, and Dr. Nrupa Shah, can check to be sure your foot or ankle is healing properly.