FitSugar

Got Achy Feet? Try This

FitSugar — Fri, 22 May 2009 03:30:00 -0700

Everyone has suffered from sore or painful feet. Whether you've been standing all day working, or you're feeling it after a long run, here are some ways to get relief.

Soak your feet. Fill a big bucket with hot water, sit in your favorite chair, relax with a good book, and let the heat ease your pain.
Massage. Rub your feet, shins, and calves with moisturizing lotion. This will bring nourishing blood to the achy area, which helps ease pain. Or place a tennis ball under the arch of your foot. Move your foot up and down as you apply gentle downward pressure. As the ball rolls, it'll massage your feet for you.
Use arnica. It's a homeopathic remedy that can greatly reduce pain and inflammation. It comes in a topical cream, so rub it on your feet to relieve soreness and discomfort.
Stretch your feet. Do this foot stretch to stretch the soles of your feet, and do Kneeling Shin Stretch or Sleeping Hero to stretch the tops.
Ice and elevate them. If your feet are swollen or in pain, place a bag of ice or cold pack in a big sock and then slip the sock on. Ice for no more than 20 minutes.

If you have any other remedies for sore or achy feet, please share them below.

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5 Things: Easing Achy Feet

FitSugar — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 12:30:00 -0700

Everyone has suffered from sore or painful feet. Whether you've been on your feet all day working, or you're feeling it after a long run, try these suggestions.

Check your shoes. Are they old, unsupportive, too tight, or too loose? Your footwear has a lot to do with how your feet feel so make sure you're wearing appropriate shoes for the activity you're doing.
Stretch your feet and calves. Press the ball of your foot against a wall so your foot is at a 45° angle. Hold for 15 to 30 seconds and then do the other foot. Repeat on both sides for a total of three times.
If your feet are swollen or in pain, ice and elevate them. Place a bag of ice or cold pack in a big sock and then slip the sock on. Ice for no more than 20 minutes.
If your feet are just sore, either hop your entire self into a hot bath or fill a big pot with hot water, sit in your favorite chair, relax with a good book, and let the heat ease your pain.
Give yourself a massage (or find a kind friend who will do it for you). Rub your feet, shins, and calves with moisturizing lotion. This will bring nourishing blood to the achy area, which helps ease pain.

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Relax Anywhere: Achy Feet

FitSugar — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 08:45:00 -0700

After a long run, my feet can be quite achy. Aside from complaining to my husband a lot, I usually just deal with it. However I recently discovered a fabulous and easy technique for massaging your sore feet, and all you need is a tennis ball.

Here's what you do: While seated, place a tennis ball under the ball of your foot. Roll the ball back and forth under the arch of your foot several times. Use as much or as little pressure as is comfortable for you. I usually do about a minute under each arch.

That's it. I promise it will ease those tired feet. Also, if you know you're going to be walking a lot on your next vacation, throw a tennis ball in your suitcase. Feet ache after a long day at work? Keep a tennis ball in your desk for a mid-day massage. Try it and let me know what you think.

Fit Tip: Massage Legs Before Slipping on Sneaks

FitSugar — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 03:30:00 -0700

If you're a runner, you know too well that running is really tough on your feet and the muscles in your lower legs. These often neglected body parts do a lot of the work and absorb most of the shock of your run. Ignore them and you can end up with cramped, achy, throbbing, or even numb feet, shins, or calves from running. The pain can be both bothersome and even prevent your from getting in a good workout.

So before you slip on your socks and sneakers, give your feet and lower legs a good rub down. Spend a few minutes on each leg's foot, shin, and calf. Knead your fingertips and the heel of your palm firmly into your muscles to bring blood to those areas, which will warm the muscles up. If the muscles are warmed up, they'll be less likely to ache. Plus, warming up your feet can help prevent injuries while exercising.

Fit Tip: Massage Your Feet and Lower Legs Before a Run

FitSugar — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 12:00:00 -0700

As you may well know, running is really tough on your feet and the muscles in your lower legs. These often neglected body parts do a lot of the work and absorb most of the shock of your run. Ignore them and you can end up with cramped, achy, throbbing, or even numb feet, shins, or calves from running, which not only sucks due to the pain, but can prevent you from getting in a good workout.

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Relax Already: After a Long Day on Your Feet

FitSugar — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 15:45:00 -0700

Often the times when you really need to pamper your feet, you can't. Whether it's soaking your feet post Disney's Marathon in Orlando or after an all day tour around Italy, the appeal is not there so much if you have to sit in a cold hotel bathroom to do it. Luckily for us ladies who like to pamper our achy, worn out feet (even when traveling) there is a great product out there for you...

Gilden Tree's Inflatable Footbath In Box ($16.00) allows you to soak your feet when and where you want. The inflatable footbath is easy to store when un-inflated (even small enough to fit in a large purse), which means it's very easy to pack if you're going to be away from home. However you can use it at home in front of the TV, with a home-made mask on your face. Since it's made of a heavy-gauge vinyl, with a double bottom layer, you don't have to worry about it leaking or breaking. Buy it online from GildenTree.com.

Fit's Tip: For an even more refreshing soak for your feet, add a few drops of peppermint oil to the water to really invigorate and refresh those footsies.