If you have pain in your feet even before the work day is over, there may be some simple changes you can make that will help get rid of your foot pain. Below are five tips to help fix your aching feet.
1. Wear Shoes That Fit
Feet can increase in size as you get older. Your feet are not really growing, but the tendons and ligaments tend to get stretched out and this leads to a larger foot size. Make sure to have your feet measured when you buy new shoes. Also, you should not wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row. And finally, if you have bunions, hammer toes or a neuroma, make sure your shoes are wide enough and deep enough in the toe box.2. Try an Over-the-Counter Arch Support
There are many problems in the feet that can first be treated with an OTC (over-the-counter) arch support. Problems such as plantar fasciitis and flat feet are just two examples. If your problem still bothers you, then you should see a podiatrist and discuss custom made arch supports called orthoses or orthotics.3. Exercise Your Feet
Photo © Terence Vanderheiden, D.P.M.
Various exercises for your ankles, feet and toes will help stretch, strengthen and relax them. Try toe curls by picking up objects with your toes and moving them from one pile to another. Also try standing and then rising up on your toes by lifting your heels off the ground. Do ankle pumps by moving your foot up and down. Making circles with your ankles is also good. Stretch your calf muscle by doing the runner's stretch or wall stretch. Roll the bottom of your foot on a frozen water bottle, tennis ball or golf ball.
