Relaxing on the beach, hiking through the mountains, trekking around a new city or just keeping up with all the kids' summer activities – however you spend summer vacation, your feet will carry you through it all.
During the course of these adventures, your feet may endure stubbed toes, miles of walking, hot sand, and possibly even some sunburn. So be kind to your feet.
You may be looking forward to a beach vacation or lounging by the pool at a luxury hotel. But even those fun activities can take a toll on your feet if you don't practice proper safety.
Even if you're just lying on your back, soaking up the sun's rays, your feet are still vulnerable. You can sunburn your feet. And no matter how up-scale your hotel may be, athlete's foot can be present in all public pool areas.
To avoid foot problems, walk barefoot as little as possible. Going shoeless exposes your feet to sunburn, plantar warts, athlete's foot, and other infections, and increases the risk of injury. Wear shoes or flip-flops around the pool, to the beach, in locker rooms, and even inside your hotel room, as infection-causing bacteria can linger in carpets and on bathroom tiles.
Apply sunscreen to your whole foot, especially the tops and fronts of ankles. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help minimize foot swelling caused by the heat.
Always pack an extra pair of shoes, especially if you expect your feet will get wet. And take along a foot-care kit that includes sterile bandages, antibiotic cream, an emollient-enriched cream, blister pads and an anti-inflammatory pain-reliever.
Take our phone number with you. If the need arises, call the doctors of Affiliated Podiatrists, Chicago.