Whether you’ve been up on your feet all day or you simply chose the wrong shoes that weren’t as comfortable as you wanted, you need to take care of your feet to avoid any long term problems. Try some of the best remedies for tired and sore feet.
From soaks and feet baths that really work to exercise specifically designed to alleviate painful feet, here are the top solutions you should use when you’re having trouble with your feet, whether they’re just tired or unpleasantly sore.
Soak Your Feet
One of the best quick remedies for tired and sore feet is a soak as soon as you can get them out of the shoes that caused the problems. If you’re wondering whether a cold or warm soak is the best solution, you should know that alternating them is actually the best solution.
Prepare a big bowl filled with cold water and one with warm water. The water for a foot soak should never be hot enough to burn, so make sure you test it with your hands before soaking both your feet in it. Alternate 30 seconds in cold water with 2 minutes of warm water for 15 minutes. The difference in temperatures will stimulate circulation and relieve unpleasant symptoms.
Add Epsom salts or essential oils to the warm water for an extra kick. Use a few drops of peppermint oil or eucalyptus oil for an even more relaxing soak. If you’re dealing with a specific inflammation that’s been diagnosed, like tendonitis, one of the best remedies for tired and sore feet can also be an ice pack.
If you do use Epsom salts (two tablespoons should be enough for a soak), make sure you always moisturize your feet with a refreshing lotion afterwards, since the salts can have a drying effect on your skin.
Massage Your Feet
One of the most effective remedies for tired and sore feet is a good old fashioned massage. If you’re going for a foot rub, whether you do it yourself and get any help, the right oils can help relieve the pain faster. Use 3 drops of lavender oil with 2 tablespoons of olive oil or go for another good combination, 3 drops of peppermint or clove oil mixed with 2 tablespoons of sesame oil.
If you prefer to massage your feet yourself without any oils, the easiest solution is getting a roller for the soles of your feet. Without a special tool, you can just as easily use a tennis or golf ball or even a rolling pin. You’ll get the best massage with bare feet, so roll your soles over the ball or roller for 5-10 minutes.
Mint Rub
A mint lotion can do wonders for your feet with just a little bit of massage. Go for a fragrant peppermint one and rub it in circular motions for one of the best remedies for tired and sore feet. If your skin is also feeling dry, you can even let the lotion work overnight. Sleep with socks on after you apply it and your feet will feel much better the next day.
Milk and Honey Foot Bath
Dr. Oz’s solution for tired and sore feet has many ingredients, but it’s a guaranteed remedy for aching feet. Mix all the ingredients before pouring and mixing them into warm water for a 15 minute foot bath.
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup orange juice
5 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Let the ingredients work their magic using one of the best remedies for tired and sore feet and you’ll feel better much faster that with a simple Epsom salts soak.
Exercise You Feet
A great way to make your feet feel better after a long day is to simply exercise them. Some exercises for your feet are great remedies for tired and sore feet. Drop a few pencils on the floor and try to pick them up with your toes to stretch them out. If that sounds too childish for you, simply separate the toes of your left foot with the fingers from your right hand. Spread them as wide as you comfortable can, then switch and do the same with your right foot and left hand.
Elevate Your Feet
If you’re so tired that you can’t even prepare a warm bath, one of the easiest remedies for tired and sore feet is to simply elevate them. Use a couple of pillows if you’re lying down and keep your feet elevated for 15-20 minutes to feel better.
When nothing works, the culprit is most likely the footwear you’re wearing for too long. Try shoe inserts to make your shoes more comfortable and reduce the symptoms of sore and tired feet.
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