Your feet bear the weight of your whole body. When you spend a lot of time on your feet, whether you are standing in one place or walking, it’s not surprising that your feet will get sore. This doesn’t mean that you are doomed to constant sore feet, though.
There are plenty of things that you can do relieve your discomfort. Use this guide to caring for sore feet.
Relieve Swollen Feet
Many people find that by the time evening comes, their feet and ankles are swollen. If you spend much of your day standing on your feet, particularly if you are standing in one place and not moving, fluid will accumulate in your feet.
That accumulation of fluid is swelling, and excessive swelling can be painful. If your shoes are too tight, the pain will be even worse. Even shoes that fit properly in the morning may become too tight as the feet swell throughout the day.
If your feet get swollen, there are a couple things that you can do to help that. Try to intersperse your periods of standing throughout the day with bursts of walking.
Moving your feet will increase circulation and decrease swelling. Stretch the muscles in your feet and legs throughout the day by doing a runner’s stretch.
Place your hands against a wall, bend at the waist, and stretch one foot out behind you. Do this until you feel the stretch in your calf, and then switch sides.
If you still have swelling in your feet or ankles at the end of the day, rest and elevate your feet. Try placing your feet on a pillow piled on top of a foot stool or on the couch. In order for elevation to help relieve swelling, your feet should be higher than your shoulders.
Soaking Sore Feet
Many people find that soaking their sore feet in a bath of Epsom salts relieves their pain. The Epsom salts will draw out fluid and help to reduce swelling.
While there is no hard and fast scientific evidence to validate the effects of Epsom salts, they are found to be comforting by many people with sore feet. As an inexpensive and easy treatment, soaking the feet in Epsom salts is worth a try.
Note: Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice before trying this method, & especially if you have a pre existing medical condition.
Wear Proper Footwear
Sore feet are very often caused by wearing ill-fitting, improper footwear. High heels put a great deal of stress on the feet, because they place all the weight of the body on the balls of the feet.
If you must wear high heels, choose a wider, thicker heel that will better distribute your body weight. Wedges and platforms are a better choice than stilettos.
You can also make your high heels more comfortable by getting them a half-size larger than you normally wear; this will give you extra room in the toe box so that your toes aren’t cramped.
Also, make sure that you are wearing the right size shoe. Feet do tend to get larger with age, so have your feet measured each time you buy new shoes.
Even if you don’t wear high heels, your shoes may not be providing the support that you need. If you have high arches, flat feet, or any other foot condition, you may need a customized shoe that gives you more support and helps to prevent sore feet. Shoes with adjustable closures e.g Velcro, or laces, will also help, as these can be adjusted to provide a snug fit, when the foot is normal, or when it is swollen.
If you have sore feet, visit Foot Solutions. We can fit you with shoes that will relieve your pain and keep you comfortable all day long. Stop by Foot Solutions to check out our selection of shoes and foot care products today.
