A common factor among many vacationers is the increase in the amount of time spent on our feet. While renting an automobile may be a necessity for a majority of vacationers, there are many reasons to walk, whether it is lack of knowledge of an area to feel comfortable driving from place to place or local destinations in the area of the vacation spot are easily accessible on foot, vacation tours of an area, or shopping. Many people attempt to begin a healthier lifestyle and may participate in sport activities such as tennis or jogging, while others may be working on improving their golf game. Also, the selection of shoe gear may take a dramatic change from our usual business wear and/or casual wear to sandals, low cut casual shoes (flats, topsiders) and often bare feet. All of the above factors may lead to people experiencing foot, ankle and/or lower extremity problems related to the foot and ankle.

Some of the common problems encountered by vacationers are:

1. Sprains
2. Broken bones
3. Arch and heel pain
4. Flare up of joint arthritis
5. Tendonitis
6. Leg, ankle, knee, hip and lower back pain
7. Painful calluses, blisters, or ulcerations
8. Puncture wounds
9. Sunburn

Some of the common causes of these problems are:

1. Utilizing shoes that lack proper support
2. Beginning an exercise program while on vacation (running on the beach)
3. A dramatic increase in the amount of exercise or sport (i.e. usually playing 36 holes of golf per week and increasing to 36 holes of golf per day while on vacation)
4. Using shoes that one normally does not use every day or purchasing shoes for the sole purpose of using on vacation and not attempting to wear them for a significant amount of time before vacation to determine if they are appropriate for the feet, whether it be proper fit or proper support
5. Not utilizing orthotics or other lower extremity aids for walking
6. The sheer increase in the amount of walking
7. Weight gain due to either indulgences in food not normally in the diet or a simple overindulgence in food- this increased pressure puts more stress and strain on the lower extremity
8. Overexposure to the sun

There are many preventive measures that can be utilized to help ensure that your feet and legs remain healthy and you can enjoy your vacation and return refreshed:

1. If possible, plan out activities, shopping, entertainment so that there are a minimum of days where too much traveling on foot takes place
2. Start a small walking program before your trip in order to condition the lower extremity muscles for the amount of walking as well as a stretching regimen to improve flexibility and minimize muscle soreness. Continue your daily stretching routine during your trip.
3. If you are planning on beginning your venture toward a healthy lifestyle by beginning a fitness activity such as running or tennis, educate yourself about your choice of exercise. Begin gradually; it is preferable to start the fitness program before you leave for your trip.
4. Plan sporting activities such as golf so as to not incur overuse injuries.
5. If you utilize any type of aid such as orthotics or braces, plan on bringing these devices and using them on your trip. They were prescribed for you not only to definitively treat problems you are or were experiencing, but also to prevent problems.
6. Be sensible with shoe gear- if you are used to wearing shoes or sneakers a majority of the time, your feet are conditioned to the support of those shoes and will suffer from the lack of support casual shoes such as sandals provide or no support from being in bare feet- if shopping or going on tours or your walk is going to be long, be sensible and wear a supportive shoe- if public transportation is available (bus, tram, taxi (car or bicycle rickshaw)), utilize that if you desire wearing a dress or casual shoe. Most important, if you purchase shoe gear with the intent on wearing it on vacation, be sure to purchase it in the later afternoon (feet and ankles naturally swell as the day progresses) and break-in the shoes before the vacation to ensure there are no areas of irritation that may cause skin problems such as calluses, blisters, and ulcerations which can become infected and cause a serious health problem.
7. Minimize walking in bare feet while outside in your vacation area- many people incur puncture wounds and/or cuts in their feet which cause pain, swelling, and painful walking. Also, your wait in an Urgent Care center may be several hours, as these facilities are usually quite busy during peak vacation season. Be sure to have a list of your current medications and medication allergies available in the event that you require care and have your tetanus immunization updated before your trip.
8. Sunburn on the feet can be severe- most people’s feet are not exposed to the intensity and duration of UV exposure. Utilizing a proper sun block to prevent sunburn as well as an appropriate after-sun moisturizer can minimize this painful condition. If you do sustain a severe burn, do not hesitate to seek medical attention as untreated sunburn can result in blisters, which can be very painful and lead to infections

Familiarize yourself of where the nearest Board-Certified Foot and Ankle Specialist is located in your vacation area; don’t hesitate to visit this doctor if you sustain an injury during your trip and follow up with a Foot and Ankle specialist at home.

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