We make a great effort to take care of every part of our bodies, from our hair and nails, to our hearts and minds. But how often do you take care of your feet? Monthly pedicures aside, our feet deserve and need regular care and maintenance. Neglecting your feet can lead to health issues which could impact your quality of life. In this post, I’m going to give you 3 simple ways you can take care of your feet.
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Foot Soaking and Massage
There’s a reason why our elders would come home and soak their feet every night. Soaking your feet with warm water and epsom salts not only relaxes you, but regular soaks can help alleviate pain and boost your mood. Tired and painful feet can make your normal activities even harder. Epsom salt is made from magnesium and sulphate, this combination can help in flushing toxins that can cause swelling. Personally, I love Dr. Teal’s Epsom Salt Foot Bath a couple times a week, 15-20 minutes and I feel brand new. Another benefit of foot soaking that I love is that it helps to promote a good nigh’t sleep. Try adding a few drops of lavender or peppermint oil to your bath for the extra benefit of relaxation and reduced inflammation.
Last summer I had a really bad allergic reaction which caused foot swelling. As a remedy, my doctor suggested incorporating foot massages a couple times a week. Regular foot massages not only feel amazing, they help increase circulation and decrease pain. For my feet, I use a warm oil, like avocado and some vaseline and firmly massage from my toes to my heels.
Exfoliate and Moisturize
In my opinion, waiting until you’re in the nail salon to exfoliate your feet is a bad idea. Unless you can visit the salon weekly, you should have a few tools at home to exfoliate your feet. A pumice stone costs about $4 on average and are great for using on the heels and bottoms of your feet. After your foot soak, gently use a pumice stone or foot brush to remove any dead skin. Personally, I prefer a pumice stone over the metal brushes (the cheese grater things) that are used in a salon.
However, if you feel you need something more, try using a foot peel. These products act as a wrap or sock with callus remover included. You wrap your feet from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the product. When the peel is completed, you wipe the product off with the dead skin, rinse and moisturize. *Please note, if you have any health conditions such as diabetes, seek the advice of your physician before using any of these products*.
Speaking of moisturizing, your feet should be moisturized daily. Personally, I tend to go barefoot a lot, especially around the house. With that, the bottoms of my feet are often the part that need the most moisture and care. Typically, I use a combination of Vaseline, Eucerin foot cream and then put socks on before bed or while I’m around the house. Regardless of what you use, regularly moisturizing your feet and heels can help prevent cracked heels and split skin. Again, if you have any health conditions such as diabetes, please reach out to your physician for guidance.
Choose Your Footwear Wisely
Listen, I am a high heel shoes lover, I’ve been wearing them for years and have the feet to prove it. Since getting older I’ve learned the importance not wearing cheap shoes, if I can help it. Well made shoes can make a huge difference in how your feet feel at the end of the day. Even if you wear heels, sandals or tennis shoes, adding in gel insoles can greatly decrease the tension put on your feet. Normally, I’ll add Dr. Scholl’s gel pads to the balls and heels of my shoes which helps decrease shock and calluses. Finding shoes that fit properly and aren’t too tight or too loose can help make sure your feet stay healthy and pain free.
What are some easy ways you take care of your feet?
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