Sometimes, after a long day at work or play, you may experience pain in your feet. Foot ache may happen when you overwork your feet. However, some factors can make you prone to foot pain. Some of the causes of sore feet may include pregnancy, obesity, abnormal foot anatomy, and poorly fitting shoes. According to a survey by the University of Maryland Medical Center, about 75% of people experience foot pain at some point in their lives. The pain may be an ongoing problem and range from mild to severe. Fortunately, there are measures you can take to relieve and prevent discomfort in your feet. Here are five tips to relieving foot pain.
Stretch
Stretching your feet and rotating your ankles will help reduce and avoid the pain. If the muscles in your feet are overstressed, they can contract or spasm. Stretch your feet regularly to help avoid this tightness. The best time to do stretching exercises is when your muscles are relaxed. For example, after a warm bath. Sit in a comfortable position and then use your hand or a strap to stretch your toe joints, calf muscles and ankles. You can also lean against a wall and try the runner’s stretch. For maximum benefit, hold each position for 10 to 20 seconds.
Employ moist heat
On occasion, overstressed muscles and connective tissue due to excess activity can result in aching feet. A foot bath is one of the best remedies for relaxing these muscles. Pour warm water into a bowl and soak your feet for about five to ten minutes. For an extra soothing effect, add Epsom or Dead Sea salts. You can find these salts easily in most high street pharmacies. Use 1 to 2 tablespoons per gallon of warm water. After soaking, dry with a fluffy towel and elevate your feet for at least half an hour.
Engage in touch therapy
Rub oil or lotion on to your feet and massage while applying gentle thumb pressure to any sore areas. Pay attention to the plantar fascia, the cord-like structure that runs from the ball of your foot to the heel. The plantar fascia gives support to the arch, which absorbs the shock caused when your feet hit the ground. A tight plantar fascia is often the cause of heel soreness. There are other hands-free ways to massage your feet such as foot rollers.
Buy arch support
You can buy a pair of arch supports for your shoes. Arch supports reduce the shock that your feet experience with each step. The heel and ball are prone to soreness, and full-length arch supports will help cushion these areas. Visit a specialist store that deals with arch supports and get some advice and recommendations. You can also visit https://www.thetoolreport.com/best-insoles-work-boots/ and find the best insoles for boots.
Check your shoes
Sometimes, it’s the shoes we wear that are the cause of foot soreness. You can opt to shift to running shoes or shoes with a stiffer sole to help resolve the issue. There are sandals available that are designed to cradle the arch and have slightly thicker soles. Check whether your shoes have excess wear and tear since this could be the root of your problems. Shoes that are too tight, too loose or too high a heel can also lead to soreness and fatigue.
Do you have any tips for relieving foot pain? Comment below!
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