Preventing foot injury – Holiday travel

With the final week leading up to the next two holiday weekends upon us, this may be our last chance to talk about staying safe during your travels. The past few weeks we have discussed footwear and activities to avoid DVTs while you are journeying this holiday season. But, what are you to do if your footwear is no longer available, as has become custom at many airports?

While we can hope that new practices put in place to keep us safe while traveling may let us keep our footwear on, it is a good idea to be prepared if indeed you are asked to remove them. It is important to keep your feet protected from foreign bodies (splinters, sharps, etc.) and fungus. Public places are ready for your feet to be assaulted by the molds and fungi that can cause ‘athletes feet' and fungal toenails. If you are wearing tennis shoes, as we suggested in earlier blogs, be sure to wear cotton socks. Some are made with a thicker bottom and would be best suited for situations like this. Make sure that they are comfortable in your shoes first, but wearing these types of socks will help to protect your feet if you do have to remove your shoes. Because your socks can ‘pick-up' dirt and grime from the floor, it's also a good idea to pack an extra, clean pair of socks in your carry-on. You can then switch them before putting your shoes back on.

It is also a good idea to give yourself ample time to make your flight. Attempting to rush through security checks can make you prone to injury. Take the time to watch where you are stepping and avoid any of those foreign bodies. If you do happen to step on anything, promptly make a visit to AFAS to have it examined and removed! Travel safe this holiday.

Until next time, keep those feet happy and healthy this holiday Austin!