Summer holidays are a time to relax, explore new places and spend more time outdoors. Whether you’ve been strolling along sandy beaches, sightseeing in a new city or enjoying long walks in the countryside, your feet often work harder than you realise.
At South Dublin Podiatry, the weeks following the summer holidays are some of our busiest. We regularly see patients returning with foot pain, skin problems and injuries that developed while they were away.
Here are the most common foot problems we treat after summer and how you can prevent them.
1. Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis)
One of the most common complaints after a holiday is heel pain. Many people swap supportive shoes for flip-flops or sandals while away, leaving the arch of the foot with very little support.
Combine this with increased walking during sightseeing or airport travel, and it’s easy to overload the plantar fasciaâthe thick band of tissue that supports the arch.
Symptoms include:
- Sharp pain under the heel, especially first thing in the morning
- Pain after long periods of standing
- Discomfort after long walks
Early treatment can help prevent heel pain from becoming a long-term issue.
2. Blisters
New sandals, holiday shoes or walking shoes are a common cause of painful blisters.
Although blisters often heal on their own, they can become infected if they burst or are not cared for properly.
To reduce your risk:
- Break in new footwear before travelling.
- Wear moisture-wicking socks when walking long distances.
- Cover areas that are prone to rubbing with blister plasters.
3. Athlete’s Foot
Swimming pools, hotel showers, gyms and changing rooms create the perfect environment for fungal infections.
Athlete’s foot commonly causes:
- Itching between the toes
- Red, flaky skin
- Burning or stinging
- Cracked skin
Simple measures such as wearing flip-flops in communal areas and drying your feet thoroughly can significantly reduce your risk.
4. Fungal Toenails
Many people notice thickened, yellow or discoloured toenails several weeks after returning from holiday.
Fungal nail infections often develop slowly and may begin after repeated exposure to warm, damp environments.
The earlier treatment begins, the better the outcome, so it’s worth having suspicious nails assessed by a podiatrist.
5. Ingrown Toenails
Walking more than usual, tight holiday footwear or even sand getting trapped around the nail can aggravate an ingrown toenail.
Signs include:
- Pain along the edge of the nail
- Redness and swelling
- Tenderness when wearing shoes
- Infection or discharge
6. Ball of Foot Pain
Long days exploring cities can place significant pressure on the front of the foot, particularly when wearing flat sandals or unsupportive footwear.
Patients often describe:
- Burning under the ball of the foot
- Aching after walking
- Pain when standing barefoot
A podiatry assessment can identify the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment, footwear advice or orthotic support if needed.
7. Sunburn and Dry, Cracked Heels
Your feet are easy to forget when applying sunscreen, especially the tops of the feet and around the ankles.
At the same time, walking barefoot around pools and on beaches can leave the heels dry, cracked and uncomfortable.
Using a good moisturiser after your holiday can help restore healthy skin, but deeper cracks may require professional treatment.
8. Sprains and Minor Injuries
Uneven paths, hiking trails, beach activities and unfamiliar terrain can all lead to ankle sprains or foot injuries.
If pain, swelling or difficulty walking continues after a few days, it’s important to have it assessed to rule out more serious injury.
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
Many holiday-related foot problems improve with rest, but persistent pain shouldn’t be ignored.
We recommend booking an appointment if you experience:
- Foot pain lasting more than a week
- Persistent heel pain
- Signs of infection
- Ingrown toenails
- Thickened or discoloured nails
- Difficulty walking comfortably
- Recurring blisters or skin problems
Early treatment often leads to quicker recovery and helps prevent small problems from becoming bigger ones.
Keep Your Feet Healthy All Year Round
Your feet carry you through every holiday adventure, so they deserve a little attention when you return home.
Whether you’re dealing with heel pain, fungal infections, ingrown toenails or simply sore, tired feet after travelling, our experienced podiatry team is here to help.
If your feet are still reminding you of your summer holiday, don’t ignore the discomfort. Book an assessment and let us help you get back to walking comfortably again.