For most of us, the holidays are a time of go, go, go, and your feet bear the brunt of a lot of it.
You will likely spend hours wandering around the mall finishing holiday shopping, and when you get home, your feet hurt. Or, maybe those killer heels you wore to that party have really lived up to their reputation. When your feet hurt, it can cause your lower legs to be stiff and sore, and even cause back pain and headaches. So what can you do to reduce the nagging pain and soreness?
If you know you’re going to be walking around for an extended period of time, then wear your most comfortable pair of shoes for the day. Your best bet is a nice supportive walking or even a fitness shoe to give you adequate support during the day. Additionally, a compression stocking can keep the foot from swelling, thus decreasing the amount of restriction in the shoe. This is especially helpful for people who have high blood pressure or circulation problems.
Kyle Fiala, a podiatrist at the Missouri Orthopaedic Institute, gives a number of suggestions in an article in the Columbia Tribune for what you can do at the end of the day to keep your feet happy this holiday season. “There was a survey from the American Podiatrist Society that found moisturizing was the No. 1 way that women soothed their feet during the holiday seasons,” Fiala said.
Finally, stretching and massaging can provide some relief, especially if it is done consistently and correctly. “Point or flex the toes up and down to work out stiffness in the toes. Rotate the ankles to work out range of motion,” Fiala said. Also, stretch the calf muscles by facing a wall with arms extended, and place one foot in front of the other to feel a stretch in the back of the leg furthest from the wall. Repeat each exercise 3 times for 45 seconds. Follow these suggestions to have a holly jolly holiday season for you and your feet.
Article: http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/2011/dec/04/if-the-shoe-fits/
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