Did you know that nearly 77% of US adults reported some kind of foot pain and problems, as discovered by a 2014 study? Most of these people ignore the pain, but wish they could get rid of it so they can live more active lifestyles. The foot pain issue is more pronounced in seniors as well.
Luckily, there are solutions to this problem. You just have to learn how to relieve sore feet. Some foot pain remedies have been proved successful in people of all ages, especially seniors. Keep reading to learn a few interesting tips and tricks about sore feet relief.
Apply Ice on Your Feet
One reason why your feet might get sore is because they tend to swell. This happens as a result of fluid accumulation in the feet. Seniors are the most exposed to this problem because they are not that physically active anymore.
To fix this problem, you should apply ice on your feet. This reduces inflammation and sends the blood and other fluids away from the lower extremities of the body. If ice is too cold, you can also apply towels that have been soaked in cold water previously.
Use the RICE Method
No, eating too much rice won’t alleviate the pain in your feet. It’s about the RICE method, aka rest, icing, compression, elevation. We already covered icing, let’s focus on the other 3 elements in this equation.
Resting your feet helps a lot to reduce soreness and swelling. This method is particularly useful for people who stand or walk for a lot of time every day. You should just go home and rest for at least one hour on your couch or bed, watching your favorite TV shows or reading.
Compression also works to alleviate feet pain. You apply compression on your feet and make sure it’s slightly tight. This will force the blood and other fluids away from your feet. Applying cold compresses is even better.
Finally, elevation refers to lifting your feet slightly higher than your hips. You need to make sure that the blood travels upward to your feet when pumped by your heart. Thanks to gravity, any fluid in your feet that might cause swelling and pain will go down and you will feel much better.
To elevate your feet comfortably, you can simply place them on a large pillow. Do this while you watch your favorite shows to also take advantage of the resting benefit. This pillow from Everlasting Comfort might do the trick for you.
Do a Foot Bath
A regular bath is recommended, but if you don’t have time or you’re not in the mood, a foot bath is also good. This means placing your feet in a large vessel filled with lukewarm water. The water will help your blood vessels dilate, so your lower extremities get more oxygen and nutrients.
A foot bath can last 30-60 minutes, depending on your preferences. You can also spice it up with some Epsom salts that contribute to the relaxing effect of this technique. Do this a few times a week and you will keep your foot pain under control.
Stretch Your Feet Regularly
Feet stretching is easy to do and it can help you greatly. Such exercises improve flexibility in your feet and bring more blood filled with oxygen to the extremities of your body. Some good exercises include toe curls, stretching your calves, and even feet rotations.
You should only do what feels comfortable. Don’t do too much because you don’t want to tire your legs either. Stretch your feet while you sit on your bed and make this a weekly routine. You will see that your feet flexibility improves and any swelling will go away too.
Do a Foot Massage
The beauty of foot massages is that you can do them on your own. You just grab your feet and gently massage them, preferably after you have applied a topical cream. Numerous places in your feet correspond to different parts of your brain. By massaging your feet, you’re rejuvenating your mind at the same time.
If you like this habit, you can even take a reflexology course. This is a foot massaging technique with proven benefits. You will learn what parts of your soles to apply pressure on to achieve a more profound relaxing effect. Needless to say, massaging your feet will also alleviate pains and swelling.
Buy Some Arch Supports
Poor-quality shoes can contribute to feet swelling and soreness. That’s why you should invest in better-quality footwear, especially if you’re walking or standing a lot as well as going to the gym.
For example, shoes with arch supports can prevent and alleviate foot pain. You can also buy arch supports from the internet if some of your shoes are not equipped with this feature. These special supports will take some of the weight applied on your feet when you’re standing or walking.
Arch supports come in various sizes and they can be made from different materials. They follow the natural arch line of your sole and prevent lesions, tenderness, and other issues related to your feet.
Take OTC Medication
It’s advisable to speak with your doctor first, but some medications can also be helpful to alleviate sore feet. Ibuprofen is a good example in this case. It will reduce inflammation and swelling, making you feel better when you walk or stand.
You might want to consider applying a topical medication too. These products have a relaxing effect on your feet and they reduce tissue swelling and tenderness. Some of them are available at most drugstores and you don’t need a prescription to buy them.
Now You Know How to Relieve Sore Feet
Hopefully, this article answered your original question – how to relieve sore feet. Remember that proper footwear is paramount to prevent and alleviate some of your pains. Use these tips in case of serious discomfort and your soreness might subside quickly.
For more useful pieces of advice on how to reduce soreness and pains in your lower extremities, make sure that you check out the other articles on our website.