At Patrick Fettinger, DPM, we know most of our Fairfield County patients can’t wait to take a summer vacation, especially since last year’s trips ended up getting canceled due to COVID. We want to make sure nothing gets in the way of your summer fun, especially hurting feet, so here are some tips for making your vacation podiatric problem-free:

• Wear comfortable shoes for your travel day. Although you may be excited to reach a tropical destination, save your cute sandals for after you arrive. Whether you’re traveling by car, train, or plane, you’ll likely have a fair amount of walking and luggage hauling to do, and comfortable shoes will mean you get where you are going without blisters or twisted ankles.
• Pack footwear that fits your itinerary. Yes, hiking boots or sneakers may take up a fair amount of space in your luggage, but if you try to climb a mountain in slingbacks or play beach volleyball in flip-flops, you’re at risk for an injury that may ruin the rest of your vacation.
• Don’t forget your orthotic. If our podiatrist, Dr. Patrick J. Fettinger, has prescribed a custom orthotic to wear in your shoes, make sure you bring it on your trip. You may be tempted to “take the week off,” but your feet may react painfully to that choice!
• Bring foot essentials. While you don’t need a separate bag for your feet, a few small items can make a big difference in your comfort. These include nail clippers, moleskin, foot powder, emery board, tweezers, bandages, antibacterial ointment, and water bottle–staying hydrated helps prevent painful swelling of your feet and ankles.
• Remember to apply (and reapply) sunscreen to your feet. It is important for beach and pool time but also for strolling the boardwalk and shopping for souvenirs. Any time you expose your feet to the sun, you need sunscreen. Choose a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.
• Avoid bringing home a fungal infection. No one wants a case of athlete’s foot or toenail fungus as a souvenir from their trip! Protect your feet by wear flip-flops or shower shoes when walking on the pool deck or using the beachside restrooms and changing areas. Wash your feet with soap and warm water at the end of each day. If you notice a rash after you return or any other unwelcome symptoms, contact our New Fairfield (203-746-9660) or Middlebury (203-598-0357) office for an appointment.

Happy Travels!