Traveling? Learn How to Keep Your Feet Healthy

You’ve been waiting weeks, maybe even months for your upcoming trip. You’ve saved your money, booked your lodging, planned your itinerary, and are eagerly awaiting your destination.

Only to have it ruined by poor planning - which is exactly what will happen if you don’t keep your feet healthy while traveling.

It’s easy to forget that you need to take care of your feet, but basic foot care will prevent everything from minor foot pain to serious joint injury. Don’t let your upcoming trip be ruined by poor planning. Follow these simple travel tips to keep your feet healthy.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The best shoes for traveling are comfortable shoes.

This includes comfortable walking shoes as well as specialized shoes like hiking shoes or boots. A pair of hiking boots may be a large item to pack, but they can provide essential arch and ankle support that an ordinary pair of sneakers may not provide.

Try them on before your trip and break them in. Make sure they fit you perfectly.

If your hiking boots are the wrong size your feet may slide forward and backward, or up and down. Sliding up and down can cause blisters on your heels. Sliding forward or backward can put excess pressure on your toenails, potentially damaging them.

Go a step further and wear your orthotic insoles. The standard insoles in shoes and hiking boots are meant to fit everyone, which means they aren’t tailored to your specific needs.

Compression Socks

Compression socks are important for any trip. Compression socks fit snugly on your feet, gently squeezing them and causing your blood to circulate more effectively.

Better circulation means your feet are at reduced risk of swelling. It also lowers your risk of deep vein thrombosis, a serious medical condition in which a blood clot forms in a deep vein. Compression socks, when combined with taking regular breaks to stretch your legs, can prevent blood clots.

Stay Hydrated

Water is essential to your body’s health, and your feet and joints are no exception.

Normally when a healthy joint moves a slippery fluid called synovial fluid protects and lubricates the joints. The fluid is found throughout your body, including your hips, knees, and feet. When you’re dehydrated the body may struggle to create synovial fluid, resulting in friction.

Water is also essential for cartilage. Cartilage is a flexible tissue that covers the ends of bones, preventing them from rubbing together. When you are dehydrated, cartilage can dry out and become stiff, acting as another source of friction.

If you struggle with drinking enough water, download an app prior to your trip. There are many hydration apps for smartphones that track how much water you’re drinking and remind you to drink more.

Follow These Easy Travel Tips

Don’t let your vacation be ruined by poor choices that lead to unhealthy feet. Maintaining your foot health while traveling doesn’t have to be hard. Follow these travel tips and you can have a safe and healthy trip.

Are you looking for more travel tips for foot health? Check out our guides on the different foot conditions to learn more about our products and how they can keep your feet healthy.