I never really gave much thought to my feet and how much stress they endure on a daily basis until a couple of years ago when I noticed they began to feel tired and achy more often than not. They are not necessarily painful in any way, but they always seem to require some sort of massage action to make them feel better, but then that lasts for such a short period of time. I don’t know if my feet now feel this way because I am so active, although I have always been active, or if it is something associated with being in my 40s. (Okay…older than I was 20 years ago!) However, it might just be my choice of footwear!
If you are one of many who suffer from tired, sore, and aching feet, then let me provide you with a few home remedies that might provide you with some relief. Bear in mind, however, that if you have foot problems associated with a significant medical condition, such as diabetes, you should always consult your physician or health care professional before trying any new treatment method.
If you spend a great deal of time on your feet each day, give yourself 10 to 15 minutes whenever possible to sit down and elevate your feet at a 45 degree angle to your body. This will direct the flow of blood away from your feet and reduce the swelling.
Soaking your feet is a good choice, too. Mix two tablespoons of Epsom salts into a basin of warm water and let your feet enjoy a bath for a good 15 minutes. Remove your feet from the water, pat them dry, and pamper them with a favorite lotion or cream. (Better yet – have someone else do this for you! My kids will sometimes do it for a dollar…but only when they really want some money!)
Try mixing it up a bit--sit on the edge of your bathtub and alternate running cold water with hot water, each as comfortably as possible. Do this for one minute on each foot, making sure to end with the cold water.
Of course, my personal favorite is the foot massage. Have someone massage your feet with massage oil, baby oil, or moisturizing lotion. If no one is available, or, as in my case, if no one dares to do it (I’m a runner. My toenails can be quite disturbing upon first glance!), give yourself a massage. Granted, it does not feel as good as if someone else is doing it, but it is effective.
To massage your own foot, apply the oil and use medium to light strokes using your thumbs and fingers, conditioning the foot. Then, start at the ball of the foot and work across and down the entire length of the foot using the thumbs to make small, circular motions. You can also use your thumbs to create long, deep strokes along the arch of the foot (my favorite spot), moving towards the toes. Then, squeeze, rotate, and pull each toe. (That makes me laugh every time, even when I do it to myself) Finally, put both hands around the foot, squeezing up and down the length of the foot. When I massage my own feet, I am glad I only have two of them. When someone else is putting forth the effort, I wish I had eight, as it feels so good!
Another way to make your feet feel alive and refreshed is to ice them down using a washcloth filled with ice cubes. This will help to decrease any swelling.
Don’t forget to exercise your feet, too. Keep them strong and flexible with regular exercise. Be sure to walk in shoes that provide good support and cushioning. (That could be part of my problem. I tend to wear my running shoes far beyond the recommended mileage for them, but at $100.00 or more a pair, I don’t have much of a choice! I also have three boys who need shoes. Geez! Thank goodness the dogs don’t require them, or I would be in big trouble.)
(Information for this article was found at http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/home-remedies/home-remedies-for-foot-pain1.htm)