Tens of millions of Americans will travel across the state or across the county in the coming days to celebrate the holidays or to simply get out of town for a while. This disruption to your normal routine can be hard on your body, especially your feet. If you happen to have an underlying foot condition or you regularly deal with foot discomfort, the idea of traveling for the holidays can leave you feeling stressed.
We want to help limit this discomfort so that you can enjoy the holiday season. In today’s blog, we share some tips for managing foot pain during your holiday travels.
Protecting Your Feet During Christmas Travel
If you’re going to be traveling by car or stuck aboard a plane for hours, keep these tips in mind if you want to limit discomfort during your travels.
1. Get Up And Move – When possible, get up and stretch your body. Stretching and movement helps to take static pressure off your lower back and hips, but it also works to increase blood flow so that the structures furthest from your heart can get access to healthy, oxygenated blood. Get up an move every time you stop for food, hit up a gas station or every so often when the pilot turns off the seat belt light. If driving, consider leaving a little bit earlier than normal so that you can account for an extra stop or two to stretch your legs.
2. Hydrate – Driving or sitting on a plane may not seem like a very physically daunting task, and while it’s not, you still want to make sure that your body has access to the things it needs to help it function properly. Water improves circulation and keeps muscles working correctly. Drink plenty of fluids before or during your trip, and limit your intake of caffeinated products that could end up dehydrating you in the long run.
3. Wear The Right Shoes – Your feet will be more comfortable if you are traveling in a supportive pair of shoes. Ditch the fashionable shoes or the bulky snow boots if your feet will be in a climate-controlled environment during most of your travels. Wearing a comfortable and supportive shoe can really protect your shoes from stress during your travels. Prioritize comfort over style when traveling this holiday season.
4. Pack Your Essentials – Before you take off for your destination, make sure that you have any supplies that you regularly use to manage foot discomfort. Stock up on your over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, make sure that prescriptions are filled and pack any creams or moisturizers that you use to get you through the rough winter season. Plan ahead so that you’re not trying to manage a foot issue when you’re not at home or near your normal pharmacy.
5. Limit Salt Intake – Finally, mind your diet and work to limit salt intake in the hours leading up to travels, especially if you’ll be flying on a plane. Salt can cause you to retain more fluids, which can lead to swelling if you’re in a confined position for hours. A healthy diet ensures your body gets the right amount of vitamins and nutrients so that traveling isn’t any harder on your feet than it needs to be.
We hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
~ Dr. Silverman and team ~