Do’s and Don’ts for Enjoying Your Tropical Trip

At Connecticut Foot Care Centers, we know that the recent teases of warm weather interspersed with frigid days have many of our Hartford and Middlesex county patients packing their bags for a getaway to a warm destination. Our podiatrists Jeffrey S. Kahn, D.P.M., Craig M. Kaufman, D.P.M., Ayman M. Latif, D.P.M. and Raffaella R. Pascarella, D.P.M. want to ensure that common foot issues don’t derail your much-needed break from winter.

Here are some do’s and don’ts to ensure a great tropical vacation for your feet:

• Do: remember to wear socks to the airport. Unless you have TSA precheck, you’ll have to take your shoes off to pass through security. Infection and injury are possibilities with bare feet.

Don’t: forget to pack your custom orthotic device if the podiatrist has prescribed one for you to wear. Foot problems don’t take a vacation and you want to ensure that your feet are not hurting while you’re away.

• Do: bring the appropriate shoes for the activities you’ll be doing. If you plan to hike, shop or see the sights, sandals probably won’t cut it. If you’re planning a more active vacation and sports like golf or tennis are on your itinerary, don’t forget to bring your athletic shoes.
• Do: pack moleskin. Even comfortable shoes can start to rub on your feet if you are perspiring. A small piece applied to a spot that is starting to feel irritated can prevent a painful blister from forming.

Don’t: forget to put your flip-flops on when walking to the pool snack bar or restroom. Fungal infections like athlete’s foot and toenail fungus are spread by direct contact. It only takes a second to pick one up.

• Do: apply sunscreen to your feet with the same frequency you do to the rest of your body to prevent sunburn. Especially remember to reapply after swimming.

Don’t put off getting an injury evaluated on vacation should one occur. Prompt attention is best. You can always follow up with us when you return. Contact us for an appointment should you find yourself experiencing foot or ankle pain or notice any unusual symptoms when you return.