Your feet carry you everywhere you go, so it’s only fair that they get tired at some point. Treat them to a bit of relaxation! Your feet will not only be grateful for it, but they will also be able to resist better and even prevent various ailments. Let’s take a look at how stretching exercises can help your feet, as well as foot baths, massages, wearing orthoses and sometimes even walking barefoot.
Stretching to relax your feet
It is essential to start by relaxing before stretching your feet properly. Take deep, even breaths in a rhythmic and controlled manner. Stop if you experience pain; otherwise, you run the risk of getting hurt. Are you ready? Start by stretching your ankles: simply move your ankles in a circular motion to one side, then the other. You should also stretch the soles of your feet. To do this, apply pressure on your toes with your hands while moving your foot in the opposite direction.
You can stretch the center of your foot by holding your toes with one hand and wiggling them up and down or by making circles. As for your toes, you can simply spread them out and release them. You can also massage your arches with your thumbs to stretch your foot extensors. To further aid in the relaxation of flat feet, for instance, move your thumbs up and down along the arch. Finally, place one leg forward and the other backward, keeping your heel on the ground, and then bend the leg in front.
A foot bath to relax your feet
Taking a foot bath can be very helpful in relaxing your feet. You should take a warm bath to loosen your foot muscles fully. It’s even better if you add a drop of essential oil to a fragrance of your choice. Allow your feet to relax for at least five minutes. If you don’t feel like a warm bath, you can also treat yourself to a cold one. Its benefits include soothing pain, stopping inflammation and constricting blood vessels. For the latter, we advise a maximum soaking time of one minute, repeated a few times.
A massage to relax your feet
A foot massage can help relieve foot tension. You probably already know this technique as it’s nothing new, but remember that you can use a tennis ball and roll it back and forth and side to side while standing, pressing down with your body weight without causing pain for about a minute. You can do this exercise two to three times a day. Alternatively, you can also use your hands by sliding your fingers from your toes to your ankle or by making circles with your thumbs under your soles.
Walking barefoot to relax your feet
Have you ever tried walking barefoot? Please note that it is not recommended to run barefoot, given the shock to the feet, nor is it a good idea to walk barefoot on surfaces that are uncomfortable or that may pose a safety risk to your feet. Also, it may not be appropriate for you if you have certain health problems. Otherwise, if you are in nature or a safe environment, you may benefit from removing your shoes. This will help relax your feet as it improves circulation, reduces stress and significantly alleviates pain.
Foot orthoses to relax your feet
You can also relax your feet by wearing foot orthoses. By correcting biomechanical deficiencies or structural problems, foot orthoses can significantly reduce your pain. Consider custom-made foot orthoses to correct specific deficiencies in your feet. You will receive a cast of your foot during your consultation with your podiatrist. You will also be asked about your habits and activities in order to determine the best orthoses for your condition.
Relaxing your feet is a necessary luxury
Your feet never let you down. You should pay attention to them. Consider doing some foot relaxation exercises every once in a while. A foot massage can also work wonders. Consider taking a hot or cold bath after a long day of work, depending on what you feel like having. Also, we recommend walking barefoot when the terrain is safe, and your health permits it. Finally, foot orthoses are a good way to give your feet the best possible support. Protect your feet as they protect you; contact your podiatrist for professional advice.
