Prepare Your Feet for Holiday Travel

There’s so much to think about during this time of year – travel arrangements for family, gifts, cold weather, and, of course, getting ready to see your extended family members! But today, Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, wants to share steps you need to take to protect your feet during this busy time. 

Many people will travel during the holidays, so these tips keep your feet happy if you’re among those traveling.

Schedule Relaxation and Rest for Your Feet

Regardless of what your holiday travel plans entail, your feet will be doing a lot more to take you from one place to another. If you’re doing some last-minute shopping, your feet will be there to help. If you have to climb up a lot of steps to your relative’s 3rd-floor walkup apartment, it’s only going to be possible thanks to your feet. Keeping a grip on the snow-covered ground is hard work made possible by your healthy and strong feet. So be sure to give them some well-deserved rest with your feet up this holiday season. 

Take precautions. 

Here are some issues that put your feet at risk:

• Frostbite: If you’re visiting a place with cold, snowy winter weather conditions, this presents a risky environment. In frigid temperatures, wear thick socks and shoes to prevent your feet from getting too cold. And be sure to change out of wet shoes and socks as soon as you possibly can!
• Germs: Many people don’t think about it, but when you’re on holiday, your feet are more at risk for picking up germs from other people and new places. It’s easier to catch a fungal foot infection, such as Athlete’s foot when sharing towels or slippers with relatives who may already have it.
• Black ice: When traveling during the cold winter months, you need to be careful of slipping on black ice that can be nearly invisible. Avoid a painful ankle sprain by walking in well-lit places and wearing treaded shoes when walking at night outside after snow or rain.  
• Fireplace safety: While it’s cozy to sit around the enjoy the fire with family, take precaution not to get burned, particularly if you have diminished sensation in your feet due to diabetic neuropathy.

Bring extra shoes. Unless your travel takes keeps you close to home, you might want to pack more than just one pair of shoes. If you’ll be walking in the snow, wear your most waterproof boots and bring some slippers to wear when inside. Also, be sure to bring along comfortable walking shoes if you’ll be attending festive holiday events.

Have any more concerns about your feet as you travel? Contact Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA. You can schedule an appointment online or by calling us at 425-455-0936.