Show Your Feet Some Love: Our Best Remedies for Your Aching Feet

Got tired, sore, achey feet? We feel your pain. No matter what the reason flat feet, pregnancy, arthritis, poorly fitting shoes, sprains, strains, or just being on your feet all day long when your dogs are barkin its just no fun. Looking for a remedy to treat those tired tootsies? Look no further. Weve gathered up some of the best cures for tired feet! Try a few out for yourself and tell us what you think! 

Hot and Cold Water Therapy

Sometimes plain old water is the best cure of all. Sit in a comfortable chair and soak your feet for 5 minutes at a time in a basin of hot water (as hot as you can comfortably stand it) and then switch to a basin of cold water for 5 minutes. Repeat as necessary. 

Tennis Ball Massage

Another great remedy for painful feet (particularly for those who suffer from plantar fasciitis) is the tennis ball stretch. Place a tennis ball on the groun and step on it so that the ball rests in the arch of your foot. Roll the ball back and forth across the arch of your foot. For the best results, perform this exercise while standing. This massage exercise stretching and pulls and eventually relaxes your muscles without pain. 

Essential Oils

Add an essential oil to a warm foot bath to benefit from their healing properties. Dont know anything about essential oils? Try one or more of the following, all of which are known for stimulating the circulatory system and relieving muscle spasms. These refreshing, soothing (and nice smelling) oils might be just what you need to ease your foot pain and get comfy.

• Lavender
• Sage
• Rosemary
• Peppermint
• Eucalyptus
• Sweet Marjoram
• Thyme

 

Epsom Salts

Add 2 tablespoons of Epsom salts to a basin of warm water (as warm as is comfortable for your feet). Soak your feet for 15-20 minutes. The magnesium sulfate in the Epsom salts will soothe your aching feet by drawing out excess fluids and relieving muscle soreness.

*Pro Tip* Epsom salts can dry out your skin, so follow up your salt foot bath with an olive oil foot massage - which will also go a long way toward relaxing tense, aching muscles.

 

Vinegar Foot Wrap

Vinegar possesses great anti-inflamatory properties and could be just the ticket to ease your foot pain. Add equal parts white vinegar and hot water in a basin. Soak a towel in the mixture until it is thoroughly soaked through. Squeeze out all the excess water then kick your feet up and wrap them snugly in the wet towel,keep them wrapped for 10-15 minutes. Repeat this process 4-5 times daily or as needed. 

Cayenne Pepper Soak

Cayenne pepper is loaded with capsaicin - the active compound that makes chili peppers hot to the taste. Lucky for you, capsaicin can also be used alleviate muscle aches and pains. Add one half teaspoon of cayenne pepper to a basin of hot water (again, keep it at a comfortable temperature). Make sure the pepper mixes throughout the basin of water. Soak your feet in the mixture for 5-10 minutes. 

Five Finger Toe Spead

In a seated position, cross your left leg, resting your left ankle on your right knee. Weave the fingers of your left hand between the toes of your right foot, interlocking them. Concentrate on spreading your toes apart and holding them there. This will pull and stretch the muscles and tendons in your feet, helping them to relax. Try not to push your toes up or down. Hold this position for 30-45 seconds, then switch to your right foot. Continue with this exercise until you feel your feet begin to relax. Now, feel ready for a showdown with your achy feet? Have at it! Try one (or all) of these tried and true home remedies to kick that foot ache right to the curb! Then let us know how it goes! Or, do you have your own cures for sore feet? Leave a comment and tell us all about it!