Summer Vacation Foot Tips BY DR. KRISTIN RALEIGH
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he summer time is often a time when people have their feet on display. We have some travel tips on how to keep your feet and legs looking good and healthy so you can enjoy your summer! Avoid going barefoot. Not only does this protect you from getting sunburnt but it also keeps your skin hydrated. Limit barefoot walking as it decreases your exposure and potential to develop plantar’s wart, athlete’s foot, ringworm and other infections. Remember to apply suntan lotion all over your feet, focusing on the tops of the feet and front of the ankles. Make sure to re-apply once you’ve been in the water. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. This can not only keep you hydrated and healthy but can also limit your chances of swelling due to the heat. Keep the blood flowing with periodical stretches, toe movement and walking. Try to wear shoes or swim shoes around the pools, gyms and locker rooms and the beach to avoid injury and decrease chance of contracting any bacterial infections. If you are going to be at the beach or pool deck, bring an extra pair of shoes or swim shoes just in case. Don’t wear wet shoes as this increases your chances of growing bacteria or fungus in the shoes. If you are on vacation and sustain an injury, seek
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out your local podiatrist as they can get you back on your feet right away so that you can enjoy the rest of your vacation or trip!
dals-to avoid walking around barefoot and for use at hotels and beaches. Blister pads or moleskin-to help avoid blisters. Antibiotic cream- to treat any superificial cuts or scrapes. Toenail Wear comfortable shoes to the airport. clippers, emory boards and pumice You never know how your day is stone to keep everything in check. going to go no matter how scheduled Aloe or silvadene in case of sunburn. you think it is. You may end up in line Anti-fungal cream or powder if you waiting, or have to walk across the are staying at a hotel or using a pool airport making a mad dash to make as this can protect you from getting a your connecting flight. You want to avoid loose-fitting flips flops or sandals fungal infection. as they increase your risk of tripping If you would like to talk more about an and falling. Also, consider wearing upcoming vacation or anything to do compression stockings on the plane with the summer health of your legs to help from developing blood clots or and feet, call us for an appointment. DVT’s by pushing blood through the We are accepting new patients in both legs and back to the heart and lungs. Midland and Mount Pleasant. Call 989-488-6355 today! Wear socks with those comfortable shoes. Socks not only protect you from shoe friction that causes blisters A MISSION OF THE A&D CHARITABLE or calluses but also keeps your healthy. Walking barefoot through an airport exposes your feet to bacteria and viruses that could cause wart or athlete’s foot. Also, avoid bringing new shoes on vacation. They are stiff and can cause blisters as you are breaking them in. Wear shoes that make your feet and you happy.
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A few things to pack in your bag just in case. Bandages-for minor scrapes/ cuts. Suntan lotion-to protect the feet from sunburn. Swim shoes/san-
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