Proactive Foot Care Tips for Holiday Travels: Get Your Feet Ready Before You Leave

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Holiday travel can be exciting, but it often comes with long hours of walking, standing, and navigating crowded airports that can lead to painful, swollen feet. To ensure your feet are up for the challenge, New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group has outlined proactive steps you can take to prep your feet before your trip:

1. Invest in Supportive, Comfortable Footwear

  • Avoid new shoes that haven’t been broken in yet, as they can cause blisters and discomfort.
  • Choose well-fitting shoes that provide proper arch support, cushioning, and stability.
  • For long trips, supportive sneakers or slip-on shoes with orthotic insoles are great choices.

2. Moisturize Your Feet to Prevent Dryness and Cracks

  • Dry, cracked feet can be a real issue during winter travels, especially with the cold, dry air on airplanes or in colder climates.
  • Prevent rough, irritated skin by moisturizing your feet regularly in the days leading up to your trip.

3. Stretch and Strengthen Your Feet

  • Long periods of sitting and standing can lead to stiff, sore feet.
  • To prevent discomfort, incorporate simple foot stretches into your daily routine before your trip.
  • Perform stretches like toe touches, calf raises, and ankle circles to improve circulation and flexibility.
  • Strengthening exercises, such as picking up marbles with your toes or using a resistance band, can also help prepare your feet for the physical demands of travel.

4. Pack Foot Care Essentials for Your Trip

  • Prepare for any foot-related issues that might arise during your travels by packing a small foot care kit.
  • Include blister bandages, foot powder, a foot roller, and compression socks if you’re prone to swelling.
  • Compression socks are especially useful for long flights, as they promote circulation and reduce the risk of swelling and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Take these steps before you leave, and you’ll be ready to enjoy your holiday travels without any foot-related worries. For more advice, the expert team at New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group is here to provide tips related to foot health and wellness. With more than 30 locations, from Newark, NJ, to Cape May, NJ, we value convenience and excellent service for our patients. To schedule an appointment, first find a podiatrist in your area.