(ARA) - Whether you travel for business or pleasure, whether you fly, drive or take a train, there's one other mode of transportation you'll almost certainly use on your trip: your feet.
During the course of a regular day, the average person walks 8,000 to 10,000 steps, but that number can increase dramatically when you're traveling. From inappropriate footwear to long stretches of inactivity in cramped cars or airplane seats, traveling can be hard on your feet.
"Exploring a new destination with family and friends, or getting to that important business meeting on time should not involve having to struggle with foot pain," says Michael King, a podiatrist and president of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). "By following basic foot care practices, travelers can help ensure foot pain doesn't slow down their enjoyment of the journey."
If you're planning a trip, the APMA recommends you take a few steps to ease the wear and tear on your foot muscles and joints:
* Start out with the proper footwear. If you're flying, shoes that slide on and off easily make sense, but don't sacrifice health and safety for convenience. Choose footwear that is comfortable and supportive. Business travelers - especially women - may want to pack their dress shoes in their carry on and wear comfortable footwear while traveling. If you're driving, and don't have to worry about speedy shoe removal, go with a comfortable, supportive athletic shoe that will allow your feet to breathe and provides ample cushioning.
* Never go barefoot through airport security. While current security regulations require all travelers to remove their shoes, you're not required to remove your socks-unless a security officer asks you to. Keep your socks on to help protect your feet from dirt and bacteria.
* If possible, get up and walk around every 45 minutes. Sitting for long periods of time restricts blood flow to the legs and feet, which can lead to swelling and, in extreme cases, blood clots. If walking around isn't possible-if you're in a car for a couple of hours or stuck in your seat during a turbulent flight-exercise your legs, ankles and feet while seated. Roll your ankles and point your toes up and down to encourage blood flow. If you have the room to do so, raise each knee and hold it for a few seconds while tensing your thigh muscles. If your feet begin to swell, unlace your shoes.
* Even with the best precautions, vacation walking can create a foot emergency. Pack a foot care emergency kit that's equipped with adhesive bandages, antibiotic cream, tweezers and nail clippers. You can also include foot lotion for a soothing massage.
* Finally, travel time is no time to try breaking in new shoes. In fact, new shoes should never have to be "broken in" before they feel comfortable. Shoes should be comfortable, without chafing or pinching, from the first time you put them on, otherwise, don't buy them.
"Our research tells us that most Americans say they have foot pain at least some of the time," King says. "When you're traveling, it's no time to contend with foot pain. Travelers can protect their foot health by following simple precautions."
Please call the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center office in Las Vegas anytime @ 702-878-2455 between Monday – Friday and we would be happy to set up an appointment for you. Please visit our website @ www.FallCenter.com. The Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center has Diagnostic imaging: Digital X-Rays, Ultrasound or Advanced Imaging will be used to aid in the diagnosis.
Dr. Anthony Ricciardi at the Foot, Ankle & Lower Leg Center has completed training in endoscopic/minimally invasive surgery for chronic heel pain and nerve pain, foot and ankle joint replacement for restoring pain free motion, arthroscopic surgery, bunion surgery, fracture repair, flat foot correction, external fixation for complex deformities and extensive experience in peripheral nerve surgery including diabetic peripheral neuropathy and reconstructive surgery of previously failed foot surgical procedures. In addition to his surgical training Dr. Ricciardi focuses on sports medicine of the foot and ankle through regenerative techniques using the patient’s own blood/platelets for healing chronic foot and ankle problems (pain) as a result of repetitive sport injuries. This cutting edge technology enables patients to continue training with little or no down time. Dr. Ricciardi continues to be active in teaching and training other podiatric surgeons on innovative surgical techniques in foot surgery. Dr. Ricciardi is Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and Fellow of the Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons. Dr. Ricciardi’s vision is to bring each patient the most current state of the Art Technology and personalized treatment options to meet their Foot and Ankle needs (from conservative care to surgical options). Dr. Ricciardi believes in quality service and puts his patients first!
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