Don’t even think about taking another step without first covering your feet. Foot pain can be debilitating, not to mention it totally cramps your style.
But what many people don’t realize is that there are tons of simple ways to relieve foot pain. You just need to know where to look. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about how to deal with feet pain.
1. Draw a Foot Bath
One of the best methods of relieving foot pain is to draw a foot bath. This can help reduce swelling, alleviate aches and pains, and improve foot health. To begin, fill a container or tub with warm water and add some Epsom salts, which help reduce inflammation.
Sit in a comfortable chair and put your feet in the water for 10 to 15 minutes. To aid in relaxation, use essential oils such as lavender. Afterward, gently dry and massage your feet, using oil or lotion if your skin is dry.
Increase circulation by using a soft foot roller to work on key pressure points. Also, icing your feet for a few minutes a day can help reduce pain and inflammation. Taking a foot bath regularly can help ease pain and improve your foot health.
2. Do Some Stretches
Doing some stretches is one of the top ways to relieve foot pain. Targeting the toes, ankles, and calves can do wonders for foot health and provide much-needed pain relief. Begin by taking off your shoes and socks, then stand with your weight balanced on both feet.
Point the toes straight forward and flex in the opposite direction for ten seconds. Next, try rolling a tennis or lacrosse ball under the feet for a minute or 2. This helps to massage tight muscles in the foot that can be a source of discomfort.
Finally, try extending the foot over a towel and pulling the towel toward you to stretch the arches or grab the toes and pull them up and back to stretch the calf muscles. Doing any number of these stretches several times a day can help alleviate foot pain and promote overall health.
3. Practice Strengthening Exercises
Strengthening exercises are a great way to relieve and prevent foot pain. Strengthening the muscles in and around your feet can help to distribute the weight of your body more evenly, which can take a lot of pressure off of weak or irritated areas. Below are some of the exercises that you can do to relieve foot pain.
Ankle Circles
Ankle circles are a great way to relieve foot pain. To do an ankle circle, simply stand up and extend your leg in front of you, keeping your heel on the floor. Gently rotate your ankle in a circular motion, beginning slowly and then increasing the speed over time.
Do this for 15 seconds on each side, then switch legs. This can be repeated up to five times, making sure to stay aware of any pain or strain in the lower foot and calf.
This can help to improve circulation and reduce any pain or discomfort in the foot. Also, ankle circles can also help strengthen the muscles in your foot, which in turn can help prevent or reduce discomfort after long periods of standing or walking.
Calf Raises
Calf raises are another great way to help relieve foot pain. Doing calf raises involves standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, feet facing forward and then raising your heels off the floor as high as you can before slowly lowering them back to the ground. Doing this exercise helps promote the flexibility of your calves and feet and helps to strengthen the muscles in the lower legs which can help to relieve foot pain.
Toe Curls
Toe curls are a simple exercise that can lead to big improvements in foot health. To practice this exercise, you can either stand or sit in a comfortable position. If standing, place your feet hip-width apart and hold onto a chair or wall for balance.
If sitting, sit up straight and place your feet flat on the floor. From here, slowly curl your toes inward, then outward, repeating this cyclical motion for a few minutes. This exercise helps to stretch the muscles and ligaments in the foot.
It can also help strengthen the muscles and increase flexibility. Regularly performing this exercise can help reduce the pain of plantar fasciitis, plantar pain, and overall fatigue. As always, be sure to consult with your doctor if you experience any issues or discomfort during or after exercising.
4. Buy Arch Supports
One great way to relieve foot pain is to invest in arch supports. Arch supports are designed to provide stability and shock-absorbency in the foot, helping to reduce strain and prevent painful conditions such as plantar fasciitis. When purchasing arch supports, it is important to get the right size to ensure optimal support for your feet.
Talk to your doctor or podiatrist about which arch support is best for your individual needs. Also, arch supports can be worn in many types of shoes, or even in combination with orthotics insoles, so you can enjoy the comfort and support no matter what type of shoe you choose to wear.
5. Switch Your Shoes
Wearing proper footwear is an important step to ease any kind of foot pain. Switching your shoes throughout the day can help properly distribute weight, motion and support. When at home, slipping into a pair of slippers with a little extra cushioning and support can provide much-needed relief.
If you stand all day at work, try alternating between different work shoes—ones that provide more support than your regular everyday shoes. For physical activities, shoes designed for them can provide the extra cushion and shock absorption your feet need while running, walking or playing sports. If your everyday shoes are uncomfortable, replace them with a style designed for all-day comfort.
Learn More Ways to Cure Foot Pain Today
Relieving foot pain can be simple and easy! Stretching, icing, and taking over-the-counter medicines are all great options for easing foot discomfort. Also, investing in shoes that are comfortable and supportive can help prevent future pain.
If you are experiencing persistent foot pain, visiting your doctor or podiatrist is a must. Don’t let foot pain become an obstacle – start relieving pain today!
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