At Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center we’ve heard horror stories of summer vacations that patients never got to enjoy because they were sidelined by a foot problem early on in their trip. We’d like to help prevent podiatric mishaps when traveling and so we are offering these 4 tips for safer summer vacations:

1. Wear comfy shoes on travel days. Whether you’re flying or taking a long road trip, you’ll want to start (and end) your trip with a comfortable pair of shoes, preferably ones with low heels and roomy toe boxes. Travel days can be strenuous—loading luggage, running to catch a flight, getting in and out of the car, are all best done in a pair of shoes that won’t hurt your feet or cause you to trip or fall. You will also want dependable shoes for walking and sports activities—save the heels and sandals for dinner out.
2. Wear water shoes at the beach or lake. If there’s water in your vacation plans be sure to pack water shoes. Rocks, nails, glass, broken shells and washed up jellyfish and insects can be hidden in sand and mud and you can protect your feet from puncture wounds, cuts and stings by keeping them covered. Another good reason for water shoes (and this is true at a resort pool too) is that they prevent your feet from coming in contact with fungi and bacteria that lurk in warm, moist, public places. Nobody wants to bring home a case of athlete’s foot!
3. Lather on the sunscreen. If the sun can get to your feet, your feet can end up sunburned. Badly burned feet can mean spending precious vacation days unable to walk. Apply sunscreen to the tops and bottoms of your feet when at the beach or pool. For sightseeing or shopping trips, if you’ll be wearing sandals put sunscreen on first, then your shoes.
4. Drink lots of water. Edema, or swelling of the feet and ankles, can make walking painful. Staying hydrated helps to get rid of excess fluid and decreases swelling. Plus, it’s good for the rest of your body too!
5. Add a few items to your pack list. They won’t take up much space but moleskin, some bandages and antibiotic ointment, extra socks and foot powder can make your days more comfortable.

If your summer vacation leaves you with any unwanted souvenirs such as an ankle injury, an unexplained rash or foot pain, contact our Long Beach office as soon as you return by calling: (562) 420-9800. Our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria Foley or Dr. Constance Omelas will help determine the cause of the problem and prescribe the right treatment to get you back to basking in the afterglow of your vacation.