Podiatry Tips For Looking After Your Sore Feet
Now that Summer is quickly approaching, I have no doubt there are plenty of us preparing for our long awaited post-Covid holiday. If this is your first getaway in quite some time, the last thing you want to run into is foot problems. Here is a quick guide on looking after your sore feet on an active holiday.
Invest in quality shoes
There is likely no better investment in your feet than getting a pair of high-quality shoes. As an active holiday can lead to a large spike in walking compared to what we’re used to, having a good pair of shoes to help manage the forces travelling through your feet can make a world of difference. To assure your new shoes are right for you, have them fitted by a podiatrist or shoe-fitting specialist. This will minimise your risk of blisters, chafe and niggles. If you are going to buy new shoes before a holiday, make sure to give yourself 2-3 weeks to wear them in.Invest in quality socks
Socks are essential to managing comfort, sweat, rubbing and odour with your feet.- Bamboo and woollen socks are generally the highest quality when it comes to breathability. To assure your new socks are right for you, have them assessed by your local podiatrist.
Add insoles to avoid sore feet this holiday season
If you’re someone who has dealt with foot/ lower leg aches in the past, then adding insoles to your shoes will be beneficial for your holiday.- Insoles & orthotics are designed to provide tailored support, cushioning and comfort for your feet, all depending on your goals. If the goal is to get through a holiday in one piece, insoles could make a noticeable difference!
Blister Prevention
If there’s one thing that can make active holidays very uncomfortable, it’s the development of blisters. It’s not uncommon to develop blisters on holidays given the fact we’re often walking much more than normal. Taking preventative measures to avoid getting blisters is essential, particularly if you’ve been prone to getting them in the past. Proper-fitting shoes and socks will be most important, although you can also take soft bandages or tape to protect areas of friction. Double-layered socks can also be effective.Ingrown toenails
To properly prevent ingrown nails, make sure your nails are cut short before you leave for the holiday. This will minimise your risk of developing an ingrown nail from pressure/ friction. If you have a history of ingrown nails, make sure you visit your local podiatrist before leaving to assure all nails are appropriately managed.Other Tips from a Podiatrist to avoid sore feet
- Bring compression stockings to prevent any lower limb complications on the flight, such as swelling, oedema and blood clots.
- Warm up & warm down on busy days! Taking an extra few minutes out of your day to prime yourself will make a big difference in how you feel each day.
- Pack thongs. You never know the hygiene standards of every holiday destination, so it’s better to play it safe and keep your feet covered at all times.
- Take rests! Whenever you get downtime, don’t forget to chill out and give your feet some time to rest, heal and relax.
