Healthy feet do not happen by chance. In fact, I’m here to inform you that foot pain prevention should be a part of your daily routine. If you don’t want to pay the price later, make sensible decisions before your feet suffer, whether you’re doing errands, going to a party, or simply sitting at a computer all day.
By the way, while you may be tempted to live your best life in the latest high heels, you should realize that this is a terrible idea. You’ll not only have sore feet at the end of the day, but you’ll also be vulnerable to ankle sprains and other problems.
Preventing Foot Pain in Practical Ways
Some actions are obvious when it comes to keeping your feet comfortable. Here’s how to do it:
1. Avoid foot pain by wearing walking shoes or sneakers
If you’ll be on your feet for a lengthy period of time, don’t leave the house in flip-flops or even in some Uggs. If you’re running errands all day, your feet are going to take a battering. Because of this, you should put on your most comfortable and supportive pair of shoes.
2. It all starts with the socks, as I usually say
So, if you’re not going to the gym, cotton socks are a good choice. They’ll wick away sweat and keep your feet dry, preventing athlete’s foot. Remember, whether you’re running or working out, a sweat-wicking sports sock is the way to go. Cotton socks can take up too much moisture and get soggy when your feet are particularly sweaty. Your damp socks may brush against your feet as a result of this, and you may get painful blisters because of the friction,
What’s better? Try out this amazing foot hack from some clever Israeli entrepreneurs. They’ve developed special summer insoles to help keep feet dry. The topmost layer of these layered insoles has almost 400 perforations. This aids in the removal of perspiration from your feet so sweat doesn’t accumulate and cause stink, friction, or fungal diseases.
However, keep in mind that insoles and orthotics are different. Insoles can provide additional cushioning for your feet. Alternatively, they can prevent you from having to deal with foot perspiration. They can’t, however, compensate for defective mechanics in your feet. So, if you’re suffering from foot discomfort, go for orthotics. (Which, coincidentally, is my next foot-pain-relieving advice!)
The mere act of walking, or even accomplishing everyday chores, can be excruciatingly painful if your feet have flat arches or tend to roll to one side or the other. So, if you’re suffering from foot pain, a custom-molded orthotic might be the solution.
We promised you seven foot pain alleviation tips, and we’ll make good on that promise. We’ve simply jumbled things around a little bit. The first three suggestions are all preventive measures. What about the final four? They’re all about how to recuperate from pain. Good luck with your recovery!
Your Personal Recovery Plan for Foot Pain
Do you already have foot pain? No worries, I’m here to assist you. With my final four suggestions, here’s what I want you to do:
1. Put ’em up
If your feet are hurting, especially if they’re swollen, the first thing you should do is elevate them. Why? Elevating your feet allows extra fluid or trapped blood to flow out of your feet more easily, so swelling should subside soon. Any elevation will assist, but when your feet are higher than your heart, this technique is most effective. Therefore, if possible, lie down and support your legs and feet up with several cushions. Bonus? This is a fantastic way to relax at the end of the day.
2. Get your feet moving
It’s not always possible to put your feet up. If you need to get blood flowing out of your feet but cannot prop them up, simply wiggle them about. Rotate your ankles, clench and unclench your toes, or try tracing the alphabet with your feet if you want to get creative. Whatever the situation, this motion should assist circulate blood and make your feet feel better.
3. Stretch your feet
Foot muscles, like the rest of your muscles, tense up and get sore, especially after a very strenuous day. Soak your feet in warm water as soon as you arrive home to help loosen things up, then stretch those newly relaxed muscles. Sit in a comfortable posture, legs out, and stretch out the ankle and toe joints with a nice firm tug, using your hands or a strap if you’re tight. Hold for 30 seconds or as long as you’d like.
4. Treat yourself to a relaxing massage
Apply lotion to the areas of your feet that are drier, such as your heels or the balls of your foot. Then, using gentle pressure—or whatever you prefer—gently touch any painful regions with your thumbs. This is an excellent approach to relieve stress that has built up over the day and to avoid pain the next day.
If you follow these suggestions, I’m confident your feet will feel amazing today and every day. However, if your foot pain persists despite my brilliant healing ideas, schedule an appointment with Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale of DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center as soon as possible.