When you’re traveling away from home, keeping your feet comfortable is a priority. Whether you’re embarking on a summer vacation or a business trip, your trip likely involves a change in routine that could cause foot discomfort. You might walk a lot more than usual or have forgotten to pack the proper footwear for your itinerary. Without planning, you might experience foot pain that slows you down or makes you miserable throughout your trip.
The team at Best Foot Doctor NY is committed to keeping your feet healthy and comfortable. We help our patients in the Manhattan, NYC area prevent and treat foot problems of all types. Please keep reading for a few of our practical tips to help you care for your feet on the go.
Keeping Your Feet Healthy on Long Road Trips and Plane Rides
Road trips can be fun and memorable experiences. For many of us, a road trip is an opportunity to roll down the windows and feel the breeze, enjoy some scenic views, and play some favorite tunes. Plane trips can also be an enjoyable opportunity to see the world from a new angle. However, road and plane trips can sometimes lead to foot pain or other foot problems.
What to Do if You Have Swollen Feet From Driving or Flying
Different drivers have different approaches to road trips. Some like to stop frequently and visit roadside establishments that catch their eye. Others want to drive as long as possible before stopping for gas and a break. That second type of driver is more vulnerable to developing swollen feet from driving, but it can happen to anyone. And, of course, on a plane, you can’t choose to stop until the flight is over.
If you notice your feet swelling after driving or flying for a while, what should you do? If you research how to treat swollen feet, you’ll find various options, including elevating your legs and bathing your feet in cool water. Sometimes a swollen foot or leg in this situation may indicate a serious problem that requires immediate medical attention. It could indicate the presence of a blood clot that formed while you were sitting. Without the help of medical professionals, there’s no way to know for sure whether you have a life-threatening clot.
Of course, blood clots are not the only cause of swollen feet. Wondering how to reduce swollen feet from traveling before the problem starts? Prevention starts with stopping or standing frequently for breaks and wearing comfortable shoes that are loose enough.
Keeping Your Feet Dry During Road Trips and Plane Trips
On a long road or plane trip, you might wear shoes much longer than normal. Depending on air circulation in your vehicle, your feet can end up getting damp and sweaty, staying that way for quite a while. For safety reasons, you should avoid putting your feet on the car dashboard to air them out. However, removing your shoes periodically in the car is a good idea to give your feet a chance to breathe. Whether you’re driving or flying, wear breathable shoes and moisture-wicking socks.
Preventing Foot Pain While Walking on a Trip
Many travelers walk more than usual when they’re on the go. They may be rushing through busy airports, strolling through museums or amusement parks, or simply walking down city streets. While increased walking can lead to foot pain, the discomfort can often be prevented with careful planning.
Preventing Toe Pain on the Go
Sudden toe pain is one of the most frustrating experiences for travelers. Whether it’s pain in your big toe or one of your smaller toes, you could find yourself sitting in your hotel and canceling your plans due to toe pain. Since accessing a toe doctor while traveling can be inconvenient, it’s best to take preventative measures to keep any toe pain at bay.
Prevention starts with wearing appropriate footwear. Avoid packing high heels, shoes with narrow-toe boxes, or shoes that don’t fit you well. It’s also important to address any known issues, like corns, hammertoes, blisters, warts, or other toe problems before you travel. Your podiatrist at Best Foot Doctor NY can help you prepare ahead of time and avoid toe pain on your trip.
Avoiding Heel Pain When You’re Away From Home
Heel pain, or pain in the ball of your foot, can also seriously dampen your travel plans. Best Foot Doctor NY is the best foot center of New York to visit if you return from a trip with heel pain. We can diagnose and treat conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and other common problems that cause heel pain and foot pain.
However, you can also take steps before and during your trip to minimize heel pain. Of course, wearing comfortable shoes is a must. Ask your podiatrist whether you’d benefit from special inserts to make walking less painful. Your foot doctor can also discuss special stretches and exercises that may alleviate some of your discomfort.
Dealing With Foot Pain? You Need the Best NYC Foot Care!
Wondering when to see a doctor for foot pain? The sooner, the better – in many cases, early detection improves treatment outcomes. Best Foot Doctor NY in Manhattan, NYC, can help you treat and prevent foot pain at home and on the go. Call Dr. Emmanuel Fuzaylov today at (718) 291 9020 to schedule your appointment!