FitSugar

Got Achy Feet? Try This

FitSugar — Fri, 22 May 2009 03:30:00 PDT

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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Simple Solution For Your Sore Feet

FitSugar — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:00:00 PST

My feet can always use some extra love and care, and a nightly foot massage just isn't an option for me (though that would be a welcome Valentine's Day treat). Our tootsies go through enough on an average day of walking around in not-so-comfortable shoes or running errands, but they really take a beating when a long workout is part of the equation.

Here's a simple solution for your sore feet: Grab any tennis-sized ball that hasn't been claimed by your pup and place it under the arch of your foot. Roll it along your arch and shift to whatever part of your foot needs attention. The movement will massage your sore feet and release some tension from your long day.

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5 Things: Easing Achy Feet

FitSugar — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 12:30:00 PDT

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.

Source

Dispel These Common Complaints and Start a Love Affair With Running

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 02 May 2012 02:27:29 PDT

You want to love running, you do, but every time you head out for a run, you end up hating it even more. Check out some of the most common complaints below, and find out how you can turn your relationship with running around for the better.

"My Knee, My Back, My Feet - Everything Hurts"
Pounding the pavement is not easy on the body, and one reason for aches and pains is poor running form. Here's a body checklist to make sure you're running properly and efficiently. Sneakers that are old or unsupportive can also lead to joint pain, so here are tips to help you find the perfect pair of running shoes. Be sure to replace shoes every few hundred miles or every few months (whichever comes first). Also, don't run every day - including other types of exercise is a must in preventing repetitive stress injuries.

"It's Boring"
Running is the definition of repetition, so if you're on a treadmill, make it more exciting by watching your favorite TV show, listening to a new audiobook or CD, running next to a chatty friend (just make sure to keep your gaze forward), or "racing" an unknowing treadmill runner. If none of that seems appealing, bring your runs outdoors. The beach or the woods are full of natural obstacles to keep you on your toes, and the fresh air and scenery are sure to lift your spirits. Choose a different location every time to keep workouts exciting, and bring your dog along. It's also fun to track your workouts using a heart rate monitor, GPS watch, or an inexpensive running app like one of these.

Keep reading to find out how to deal with other running complaints.

13 Health Gimmicks You Can Stop Wasting Money On

Business Insider — Tue, 01 May 2012 00:15:21 PDT

Consumers have a tendency of falling for the next big health gimmick. Save your money on health duds with these Business Insider tips.

No matter how many times we're told otherwise, Americans' obsession with get-healthy-quick schemes will likely never die. Too bad most of these fads aren't worth their weight in salt - or your hard-earned dollars. We've put together a list of some of the worst budget-sucking health trends that still persist today.

Coconut Water

Coconut water may be nature's version of Gatorade but some brands have already caught fire for over-hyping its nutrient content. Vita Coco agreed to settle a $10 million class action lawsuit over an independent study that showed the drinks didn't pack near as many electrolytes as advertisements implied. Some coconut waters are also loaded with added sugar, which will do nothing to help your waistline.

Alternative: Pick up your own young green coconuts on the cheap from an Asian produce market. Just crack them open with a cleaver and pop in a straw.

"All-Natural" Foods

30 percent of Americans bought more natural foods in 2011, according to a Rodale study. But what are we really paying more for? There's no clear cut regulation on what makes food "natural," which means just about any company can slap that label on its packages, add a fancy green theme and jack up the price.

Says Andrew Schrage of MoneyCrashers: "Before buying any food that is touted as being 'all natural,' take a look at the ingredient list before you check out. Keep in mind that butter and salt are indeed natural ingredients. So stocking up on natural foods may not achieve anything other than increasing your grocery bill."

Read on for more.

Attention, Brides: If You're Wearing Heels on Your Big Day, Read These Tips

Leta Shy — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 02:28:57 PDT

For many brides, the perfect wedding-day outfit includes a jaw-dropping white gown and a princess-worthy pair of heels. But if you're donning a pair of pumps for your big day, make sure you read these tips to keep your feet happy and healthy.

Stretches and exercises are important: Wearing heels too often can lead to different ailments, like bad posture, bunions, and tendinitis (not to mention the injuries that can happen if your heels cause you to fall), so help combat these problems and embarrassing tumbles down the aisle by regularly doing exercises and stretches that strengthen your ankles, calves, and feet. Here are four types of exercises high-heel wearers should be adding to their routine.

Switch to flats: A recent study found that women who wore high heels for 40 hours a week had permanent changes in their Achilles tendon and calf muscles, leading to muscle fatigue and increased risk of injury. The best solution? Wear flats only or alternate between heels and flats - especially leading up to your big day - so your muscles aren't overused, and your high-heel habit doesn't lead to a painful injury right before your wedding. Stashing a few pairs of flats for you and your bridesmaids to wear later at the reception can be a lifesaver after a full day wearing heels.

Practice postparty relief: The vows have been said, the cake's been cut, and you and your guests have danced the night away. Soothe achy feet the day after your wedding with - you guessed it - even more stretches (not to mention a cooling trick for sore soles). Get our tricks for relieving achy feet after a long night here.

Get to Know Your Iliotibial Band

Susi May — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:04:32 PDT

Many a runner has been sidelined by knee pain caused by the iliotibial band (aka the ITB). But knowing how to deal with this long band of fascia, which runs down the outside of the thigh from the pelvis to just below the shin, can help keep an injury at bay. Knowledge is power, and we want to help keep you on the road.

First off, fascia is a stiff connective tissue (like tendons and ligaments) that surrounds muscles, bones, and joints, providing both support and protection. It's like shrink-wrap; once fascia becomes tight it tends to stay tight, causing pain and injuries. When the ITB shortens, usually due to poor biomechanics (like losing your running technique when tired), it can pull the knee cap out of alignment. The faulty alignment creates inflammation in the joint and pain when bending the knee. This injury, known as iliotibial band syndrome, occurs more in women than men, most likely due to the wider female pelvis.

To avoid overuse injuries, it's important to keep this thick band of fascia flexible, especially if you're training for a race and upping your weekly mileage. Keep reading to learn how.

Helpful Hints to Recover After a Long-Distance Run

Lizzie Fuhr — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 01:35:54 PDT

With all things related to the Boston Marathon on our brain, there's no better time to share a few ways to recover from long-distance runs. Here are a few quick tips for recovering after a long-distance run, whether you're feeling motivated by the main event in Boston or you're an avid runner in need of a refresher.

Give your bod a break. After being pushed to its limits, your body is in need of some serious rest and relaxation. As soon as you can handle it after your run, try to take an ice bath to help all your sore aches and pains. Getting a massage is a great way to treat your body right too. If you can't give up running for a few days, when you head out, be sure keep things really easy and light (if you've just completed a marathon, you should take a break from running for at least three days to help prevent injury).
Eat and drink the right things. After a big run or race, it's crucial to continue with a healthy diet. You need to build your muscles back up with foods that are packed with protein and good, healthy carbs. Look to these foods for runners if you're in need of some good ideas, inspiration, or just foodie knowledge on what will help you recover. In addition, as soon as you finish your race - and for a few days after - drink lots of fluids to replenish what you lost during your big race.

Learn more tips after the break.

5 Ways to Show Your Running Feet Some Love

Jenny Sugar — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 11:35:45 PST

A runner's feet take quite the beating with all the repetitive pounding, sweating, and muscle exertion. Here are five ways to help ease soreness and prevent foot injuries that could sideline your running routine.

Grab a tennis ball: If you have a loving friend who's offering to rub your feet regularly, that's great, but most of us don't have that luxury. Instead, perform a little self-massage with a tennis ball or racquetball. Sit or stand and place the ball under the arch of your foot, roll it along your arch, and shift to whatever part of your foot needs attention. You'll be surprised at how sore your feet really are.
Trim your toenails: Seems like a simple task that doesn't need mentioning, but since feet are covered most of the time, you may not pay as much attention to your toenails as you do your fingernails. Long toenails can rub against the inside of your shoe or cut the adjacent toes, making it painful to run. When giving yourself a minipedicure, cut or file nails straight since rounded edges can cause ingrown toenails.

Keep reading for more ways to care for your runner's feet.

"Perfect Boyfriend . . . Except For Three Major Problems"

Tres Community — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 03:05:00 PST

This question is from a Group Therapy post in our TrèsSugar Community. Add your advice in the comments!

I am 38 and dating an amazing man of 35. We've been together for about five months and despite his attempts to "take it slow" he is basically living with me. He still has his other place but is here every night except maybe once a month. We get along great, have a lot of laughs, and really seem to understand each other. Personally I'm madly in love in a way I've never experienced.

We have both been divorced for about 2-3 years and he admits to being incredibly hurt by his last girlfriend, who dumped him and got married to her ex (yep, that would hurt!). When we met, I was just out of a relationship that should have ended months prior and neither of us were really looking for anything serious, but I feel I was more ready than him. He just took me by surprise and swept me off my feet, and while he kept maintaining that we were taking it slow, it didn't go that way - within a couple months he was calling me his girlfriend by accident and like I said, staying with me all the time. Here's the problem:

Keep reading to find out this reader's three major problems in her relationship.