Smart Foot Care for Holiday Shopping and Travel
December is a busy month with lots of shopping, entertaining and traveling. All of these activities take a toll on your feet! No matter which holidays that you celebrate, your feet will have to be up to the challenge.
This month, take some extra time to take good care of your feet so they will keep going and going and going!
Shop in Comfort
You may be dreading long hours on your feet in shopping malls. Here’s one piece of advice: take a break! Elevate those aching feet in your favorite coffee shop and enjoy a holiday latte.
Shop smart with these foot care tips:
- Now is not the time to break out those new shoes. Stick to your favorite sturdy, cushioned, and comfortable walking shoes. A well-made and well-fitting shoe will help you avoid foot, back, and leg pain.
- Wear warm boots or shoes with good tread to protect your feet from cold and wet, slippery conditions.
- Smart partygoers will wear comfortable, stable shoes on the way, and then switch to fashionable heels at your gathering.
- After a long day of holiday events, pamper your feet with a warm water soak. Dry carefully and massage with a rich, soothing cream or lotion.
Smart Travelers Treat Their Feet with Care
Travelers who spend long periods in a car, plane, or train risk dangerous foot and leg swelling. Another hazard is the chance of developing a deep vein thrombosis, which is a blood clot in the leg. If you suspect that you have a blood clot because of swelling and persistent pain, seek medical attention immediately.
Our top tips for travel foot care include:
- Wear slip-on shoes plus warm socks for airport security checks and for comfort at your seat.
- During the flight, stretch your feet and legs often while seated and flex ankles too. The “alphabet game,” where you form the letter shapes “A” through “Z” with your feet, will keep blood flowing to your toes.
- Take a brief walk in the cabin often.
- Avoid sitting for long periods with your legs crossed.
- Stay hydrated with lots of water.
- Minimize water retention by limiting salty foods.
Let Us Know If You Observe Any Skin Problems on Your Feet
For any type of foot or ankle pain, call us. Foot pain is not normal! If you have pain from bunions or any other foot or ankle condition or have suffered any type of foot injury, please call Dr. Christopher M. Funk, Dr. Bradley A. Whitaker or Dr. Peter C. Merrill at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists. Our professional staff offers expert podiatry services at three Pima County offices: Tucson, Oro Valley and Green Valley. Please call us today at (520) 575-0800 to schedule your appointment.
