Introduction
If you suffer from aching feet, you know how uncomfortable and even painful it can be. Fortunately, there are some simple tips and tricks you can use to help relieve the pain and discomfort. Eating the right foods can help reduce inflammation and provide your feet with the nutrients they need to stay healthy. In this article, we’ll provide you with some of the best tips for aching feet, including what to eat and what to avoid. We’ll also provide some helpful tips on how to keep your feet healthy and comfortable. So, if you’re looking for ways to reduce the pain and discomfort of aching feet, read on!
Best Tips For Aching Feet
If you suffer from aching feet, you know how uncomfortable and even painful it can be. Fortunately, there are some simple tips you can follow to help ease the pain and discomfort. Here are some of the best tips for aching feet:
1. Wear Comfortable Shoes
Wearing comfortable shoes is one of the most important things you can do to help ease the pain of aching feet. Make sure your shoes fit properly and provide enough cushioning and support. Avoid wearing high heels or shoes with a narrow toe box, as these can put extra pressure on your feet.
2. Stretch Your Feet
Stretching your feet can help reduce the pain and discomfort of aching feet. Try some simple stretches, such as pointing and flexing your toes, rolling your feet over a tennis ball, or using a foam roller. These stretches can help improve circulation and reduce tension in your feet.
3. Take a Warm Bath
Soaking your feet in a warm bath can help reduce the pain and discomfort of aching feet. Add some Epsom salts to the water to help reduce inflammation and soothe sore muscles. You can also use a foot spa or foot bath to help relax your feet.
4. Use Ice
Applying ice to your feet can help reduce inflammation and pain. Wrap some ice cubes in a towel and apply it to your feet for 15 minutes at a time. You can also use a cold compress or an ice pack to help reduce swelling and pain.
5. Massage Your Feet
Massaging your feet can help reduce pain and discomfort. Use your hands to gently massage your feet, focusing on the areas that are most painful. You can also use a foot massager or a foam roller to help reduce tension and improve circulation.
6. Eat This Not That
Eating the right foods can help reduce inflammation and pain in your feet. Foods that are high in anti-inflammatory properties, such as omega-3 fatty acids, can help reduce swelling and pain. Foods that are high in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables, can also help reduce inflammation. Avoid processed foods, as these can increase inflammation.
Exercise, physical therapy, and weight loss can all make a difference in addressing foot pain, too.
“One pound of additional weight on your body leads to six pounds of additional pressure on your foot. So, if you lose 10 pounds, that is really taking 60 pounds of pressure off your foot,” Dr. Peden says.
With the pandemic, many people have gained weight, which compounds the problem. But the key is not to do too much too quickly to try to reverse it, Dr. Peden adds.
“If you try to lose weight by suddenly walking too much, that’s hard on your feet, too, and may lead to other foot problems,” Dr. Peden says. “So, I often recommend cross-training, including low-impact cardio activities like biking or swimming. You can walk, but try to take it easy and, as always, wear good, supportive shoes.”
Hiking shoes are often a good option, particularly if you walk on uneven surfaces, including trails. “They are a little safer than sneakers, and protect your foot and ankle better,” he says.
In certain cases, physical therapy is recommended for lingering foot issues. “Physical therapists have many techniques that can speed up the recovery process,” Dr. Peden says.
Surgery is rarely needed for chronic conditions like tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, he adds. “We always treat our patients first with nonsurgical options to hopefully manage the condition before we ever talk about surgery,” Dr. Peden says.
But if you are feeling foot pain, don’t be afraid to seek medical help, Dr. Peden advises.
“I know people have different comfort levels right now about seeking medical care during the pandemic, but if you have a foot issue and it’s been hurting for a while, you should go see your doctor,” he says. “There are likely easy solutions.” And to protect your life and the lives of others, don’t visit any of these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.
This article has been published in Yale Medicine.