Self-Care for Those Who
Work On Their Feet
If you work on your feet, you should wear comfortable, supportive shoes
with flexible soles. Good quality athletic shoes are the best. If you can’t
wear them at work, see your physical therapist, doctor or podiatrist for
other ideas for getting good foot and back support from your shoes.
For your exercise program, consider swimming or water exercise instead
of running or walking. This will help you avoid further stressing your
feet and legs.
To relax the muscles of your feet and ankles, soak them in warm water.
Add Epsom salts and, if you like, a few drops of the essential oils of
peppermint, eucalyptus, and/or rosemary to the bath water. Soak for at
least ten minutes.
Roll a golf or other small ball under the soles of your feet. Some people
like to freeze the ball beforehand and use it after a hot bath for an additional
boost to the circulation in your feet. If this sounds appealing to
you, freeze water in a Dixie cup and massage your feet for a minute or
two with the ice. Or fill a plastic pop or water bottle and freeze. Roll it
under your foot like any other foot roller.
Get regular massage to your feet and lower legs. Massage can relieve
tension and increase circulation to the muscles, ligaments and tendons
that do the hard work of supporting your body.