We take care of our teeth multiple times a day, but why don't we treat our feet the same? Pampering our feet doesn't have to be time-consuming!

 

1. Rest & Raise

Raising your feet will take the pressure and strain off your feet at the end of the day and will do wonders for your foot health. Standing for long periods puts pressure on the veins in your legs and feet causing pain. Elevating your feet includes improved blood flow, reduced inflammation, and reduced swelling. Try elevating your feet using a footstool or cushions.

 

2. Slippers

Whether you’ve been wearing Strive sandals or your favourite heels during the day, slippers should be your best friend when indoors. We spend hours inside our homes with no foot support! Orthotic slippers will keep your feet in the optimal position all evening, they also increase your balance and stability. Slippers have many positives, wearing a good pair of slippers also helps trap heat which increases blood circulation and reduces foot swelling.

 

3. Foot Spa

Using a foot spa, bowl, or a well-deserved relaxing bath, soaking your feet in warm water with Epsom salts can alleviate sore muscles and swollen feet. Epsom salts are also a great way to target inflammation. End your foot soak by massaging a handful of Epsom salt into your feet as a natural exfoliant, helping resolve cracked and rough skin.

 

4. Moisturising

Moisturising your feet every day takes only a couple minutes of your time. Specific foot creams can renew and repair damaged and cracked skin, you’ll also see your hard skin and calluses softening over time. If you suffer from very dry skin, applying before bed and covering with a pair of socks is a great way to get the most out of your moisturiser. Remember – keep the skin between your toes clean and dry to prevent bacteria and infection from growing.

 

5. Get Your Feet Measured

Unlike children, as adults we rarely get our feet accurately measured. This can lead to us wearing the completely wrong size for years causing problems with our feet such as joint & back pain, fallen arches, and in-grown toenails. Although many people presume our feet stop growing once we hit a certain age, our feet never stop changing! Age, medication, and hormones (such as during pregnancy) are just some of the causes of why you’re suffering from foot pain despite wearing your favourite shoes.

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6. Foot Massage

Although a trip away to a spa is on all our to-do lists, a foot massage is easy to do yourself in the comfort of your own home! Foot massages can improve circulation, promote better sleep, and alleviate swelling - grab your favourite oil or lotion to lubricate your skin. Warm olive oil or coconut oil are also great household products to provide relief from foot pain and inflammation. You can also incorporate rollers into your massage.

 

7. Ice Your Feet

Inflammation of the feet can be reduced via icing, limit this to less than 15 minutes a day. Never apply ice directly to your skin, instead, you can use a gel pack or frozen water bottle wrapped in a towel. Icing is a popular choice by those suffering from Plantar Fasciitis (inflammation of the plantar fascia) and Metatarsalgia (Pain in the ball of the foot).

 

 

NOTE: If home remedies do not reduce your discomfort, always consult your doctor or podiatrist.