In our daily lives, we often pay great attention to hand care, but overlook our feet to a large extent. If we spend a lot of time standing or walking, our feet may feel tired. Generally speaking, soaking feet in water can help relieve fatigue. Additionally, we can perform massages on the acupoints of our feet and also take care of the skin of our feet. Here are some tips:

Soaking Feet to Relieve Foot Fatigue

Most of the time, tired feet are the result of overuse or excessive load, leading to muscle strain. Soaking feet in water can help relieve this fatigue. Soak your feet in a basin of warm water for 5 to 10 minutes, adding some salt to the water for a soothing effect. If your feet are swollen, use cold water instead of warm water, soak for 30 minutes, and then perform leg-raising exercises to help reduce swelling.

Foot Stretching Exercises

Overused muscles may tend to spasm and contract. To reduce this tightness, it is necessary to perform foot stretching exercises. The best time to do this is when the muscles are relaxed. Start by soaking your feet in warm water to soothe them. Then, begin by stretching your toes and slowly pushing your feet towards your ankles, or pressing against a wall. Feel the stretch in your calf muscles and hold each stretch for at least 10 minutes to effectively relax the muscles around your feet.

Foot Exercises

Exercises for the toes, feet, and ankles can help soothe and relax tight muscles. Here are some methods: gently pick up small objects with your toes and release them, repeating the action several times. Stand on your toes and try to hold the position for 5 minutes. Perform circular motions with your ankles.

Massage

Rub some oil or lotion onto your feet and gently massage them, focusing on areas that are particularly painful. A good way to massage the bottom of your feet is to sit in a chair and press them against a round object, such as a bottle or tennis ball.

Consider Changing Your Shoes

Ill-fitting, heavy, or poorly ventilated shoes can also cause foot fatigue and pain. Women are advised to avoid wearing heels that are taller than 2 inches, as they can squeeze the toes and lead to muscle soreness and other foot problems such as hallux valgus. If you engage in regular exercise or running, it is recommended to replace your shoes every three months or after running 500 miles.