As we gear up for weeks of holiday traveling,  there are probably lots of things you're worried about. From packing lists to long airplane lines, there are many challenges involved in getting away during the busy holiday rush. And, unless you take the right precautions, foot pain could be one of them.

You see, when you're heading out for a long journey, whether it be on the road or in the skies, you'll be sitting for extended periods of time. And, while that wouldn't seem like a problem for your feet, it could actually lead to a major concern: foot edema, also known as swelling. 

Want to reach your final destination and be ready to hit the ground running? Just follow our Powder Springs podiatrist's top tips for foot safety while you're enjoying holiday traveling. 

Fighting Foot Swelling When Holiday Traveling man in airport with feet up on suitcase

If you want to keep your feet comfortable during a long road or plane trip, these tips from Dr. Alvin Cowans can help you reach that goal: 

  1. Wear supportive sneakers.

    While it can be tempting to wear slides or sandals to an airport to avoid untying and retying your shoes at security, that's a big mistake. From standing in line to getting to your gate, you'll be on your feet for quite some time. And, without the proper support from your foot gear, you could develop some serious pain throughout the day. 

  2.  And don't forget the socks.

    Wearing socks is very important during holiday traveling. First, when your shoes are on, having socks can prevent your feet from getting hot and sweaty, in turn reducing your risk for athlete's foot infections. (They'll also come in handy if you do have to remove your shoes, since you certainly don't want to walk barefoot on a filthy airport floor.) Want to get an extra dose of protection from your foot coverings? Try wearing compression socks, as they can support better circulation and reduce your risk for foot swelling. 

  3.  Drink up. 

When engaged in holiday traveling, you should increase your fluid intake, especially if you're taking a long flight. You see, your body can dehydrate on an airplane, and when that happens, it will hold on to fluid, increasing your risk for foot swelling. So, to protect yourself, drink lots of fluids such as water or juice, and steer clear of dehydrating liquids like coffee or alcohol.

4. Elevate your travel. 

Whether you're stuck at the gate, or in the middle of a long flight, try to raise your feet when possible, to help blood and fluid flow out of your extremities, alleviating painful swelling. 

5. Move more.

Whether you're on a road or plane trip, stopping your drive or getting out of your seat to move around is a great idea. But when walking is not an option, you can fight swelling from the comfort of your seat (unless you're driving) by trying this move: stick out your legs, moving your feet in circular motions. Then, pull one knee into your chest, holding it there for at least 15 seconds before switching sides. Then, you can put both your feet back on the floor, pointing your toes upward then lifting your feet as high as you can and holding that position for as long as you can without feeling discomfort.

6. Watch what you wear, too.

Just as your socks can help you enjoy safer holiday traveling, the outfit you select for a plane or car ride can also impact your foot and leg health. Of course, with all the trending TikToks streaming from the airport, we know it feels like a great idea to rock your cutest outfit on the plane. But if you choose to wear tight jeans or even restrictive leggings, your cute look could impede the flow of blood to your lower extremities, resulting in discomfort, numbness or tingling. To stay safe, choose looser-fitting clothes for your long journeys--you'll feel less restricted, and your feet will thank you, too! 

7. Seek extra support before you go. 

If you've already been experiencing foot pain, swelling, or other concerning symptoms, the stress of holiday traveling is only going to make them worse. So, if you want to enjoy your trip and your seasonal celebrations without foot pain, now is the time to act. If you reach out to our office to request an appointment, we can evaluate your current state of foot health. After ruling out any chronic conditions such as plantar fasciitis, we can fit you for custom orthotics to give your feet the benefit of added foot support, to get you comfortably through the holidays and beyond. 

 

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