Last updated: April 2020
Next review: April 2022
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Checklist

Long journeys on trains, buses and planes can make your feet swell.

• Walk up and down the aisle every half hour – the exercise will help to keep the swelling down.
• Make sure that your shoes don’t become too tight – take a pair of loose sandals for the journey.
• If you normally wear hospital shoes, then wear them on holiday too. Remember that changing over to ordinary shoes could cause an ulcer – and ruin your holiday.
• Avoid walking barefoot, especially over hot sand and concrete.
• On the beach, and in the sea, wear plastic sandals.
• Avoid sunburn to your feet and legs. Use a high factor sunscreen or keep covered.
• Don’t forget the soles of your feet.
• If your skin gets very dry in the hot weather, you may need to apply more moisturising cream than usual. Pay special attention to your heels, dry skin will easily cause cracks. If your feet become moist, dab the affected areas with a little surgical spirit on cotton wool. Do not use on broken skin
• Take a small supply of sterile dressings, and medical adhesive tape like micro pore on holiday. Clean any small blisters, cuts or grazes with diluted salt water and tape on a dry dressing

Seek medical advice immediately

Examine your feet daily for sores, swelling or colour changes. If any of these problems develop, then visit the local HCPC Registered Podiatrist/ Chiropodist or local emergency department doctor. Remember, delays in seeking treatment make foot problems worse. Seek early treatment for all holiday foot problems via the local GP.

Monday to Friday, 8.30-16.30

 Telephone: 0300 124 5855

Email: sirona.podiatryservice@nhs.net

Find out more about the services we provide on our website:

https://sirona-cic.org.uk//nhsservices/adult-services/podiatry/