Old man winter doesn’t appear to be leaving Nassau County anytime soon, and that has many of our patients at Long Island Foot & Ankle Group, PC planning winter vacations to hot and sunny destinations. While we want all of our patients to enjoy a break from this long winter, we also want to remind you of some important tips for protecting your feet so that a dream vacation doesn’t turn into a podiatric nightmare!
Be Wary of Buried Treasure—soft sands look inviting but can be hiding sharp shells, broken glass or other objects that can cut your feet. Use water shoes or flip-flops at the beach and also at the resort pool. This will help prevent fungal toenails and athlete’s foot that are spread by direct contact.
Use Good Sun Sense—feet are just as susceptible to sunburn as the rest of your body. Apply sunscreen to the tops of your feet and the bottoms if you are lying out at the beach or pool—burnt soles have caused many a vacationer to exchange their view of palm trees and turquoise water for the interior four walls of their hotel room! Remember that the sun is much stronger in tropical locales, and even an afternoon of shopping in open sandals can result in a burn if the skin is unprotected.
Bottoms Up—on water, that is. Staying hydrated can help you avoid uncomfortable edema (swelling) of the feet and ankles. The rest of your body will thank you as well.
Put It on Your Pack List—a few items that won’t take up much room in your luggage but will make your feet more comfortable while you are away include bandages and antibiotic ointment for any minor cuts or scrapes, moleskin to prevent blisters, nail clippers and emery board, moisturizing lotion and a pair of comfortable shoes for travel days and any walking you may do while away.
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you come back from a vacation with an unwanted souvenir: foot pain. If this happens to you, be sure to make an appointment at our Valley Stream (516-825-4070) or Lake Success (516-327-0074) office as soon as you return. Our podiatrists, Dr. Russell Caprioli, Dr. Mary Ann Bilotti, Dr. John Haight or Dr. Marzana Mleczko will diagnose your foot disorder and get you back on track for re-entry.