On Holiday

If you usually have no problems with your feet then there is nothing very different you need to do when you’re on holiday. However, a bit of planning before hand and few sensible precautions can help you to enjoy your holiday and prevent any problems with your feet.

• If you’re travelling for long periods of time, keep your feet and legs moving. Sitting for a long time can make your feet swell, which will make your shoes tight and may cause them to rub. Get up and walk around as often as you can to keep your leg muscles working.
• Make sure you have your usual moisturiser packed and take a high factor sunscreen if you need it.
• Take shoes with you that you have worn before and that fit your feet comfortably. Don’t take new unworn shoes.
• If you’re going on a beach holiday pack shoes that you can wear on the sand or in the sea, for example shoes which you don’t mind getting wet.
• Pack a small first aid kit which will help you to treat any small injuries on your feet. If you’re visiting a country where there are mosquitoes or other insects that may bite, take insect repellent with you as well.
• Keep up your daily foot care routine when you’re on holiday. If you’re somewhere hot or very cold you may need to use more moisturiser as your skin could be drier than usual.
• Wear shoes all the time. The sand on the beach, the tiles by the pool and pavements can all get very hot in the sun and could burn the soles of your feet if you go barefoot. Shoes can also prevent injuries from sharp objects hidden in the sand on the beach and on the sea floor, especially if the sea floor is uneven or rocky. You can buy plastic shoes that will protect your feet and which won’t be damaged by salt water.
• If you do injure your feet get help and treatment straight away, don’t wait until you get home. As soon as you notice an injury, clean it and put on antiseptic cream and a dry dressing. Try to keep your weight off the injury as much as you can.