I swear they talk back at times....usually when I am abusing them by being on my feet for long periods of time. Knowing that winter is coming (groan) especially with the Arctic storm they say is suppose to hit us here in the next couple of days, I thought I would take a minute to go over some care tips for your feet.
I know many people that cringe just at the thought of feet, they just do not like them, even their own, but our feet are so important to our everyday and we abuse and neglect them constantly. We squish them into shoes that are too small, heels that are high, walking, running, exercising, and forget about how important they are to our everyday life.
With this constant abuse, we must be extra careful to take care of our feet.
Many people say the feet are the window to the soul...or at least a way to help with other disorders. Reflexology is a tool many use to help with other areas in the body. Suffer from sinus issues? Massage the tips of your toes to help gain relief.
My favorite book for reflexology information is The Art of Reflexology written by Inge Dougans with Suzanne Ellis. This book gives details on steps for massage on the feet and hands for specific issues (like sinuses).
Back to the tips...
1. Check feet often for corns, calluses, bunions, and ingrown toe nails. These are painful and will cause additional problems if not taken care of right away.
2. Foot scrub. It is a good idea to use a foot scrub once a week to help remove any scaly skin and keep your feet smooth. A scrub that is mild is best, one meant for the delicate skin on the hands should work for your feet as well. Body scrubs can be a bit too coarse for the feet and may hurt instead of helping.
3. Lotion. Lotion, Lotion, Lotion. Moisturize your feet. Foot lotion containing peppermint will also help with any foot odors and add a tingling sensation which can be soothing to the feet.
4. Calluses and cracked heels may require a pumice stone. This skin has hardened and can be painful so using a pumice stone occasionally to help remove this is a good idea. Soaking your feet before using a pumice stone can help make removing the hardened skin easier.
5. Pedicure. Pedicures are a nice way to help care for your feet. If you are doing an at home pedicure, heat up water to a comfortable temperature and soak your feet for about 10 minutes. After soaking, check and trim any toe nails that need it, and apply lotion to the feet. For an added aromatherapy treatment, add scented bath salts to the water. In spa treatments may include a foot massage which can relief stress and increase circulation.
6. Moisture Treatments. As a diabetic that gets cracked heels, I have found that a nice thick salve or lotion as an overnight treatment goes a long way to helping keep my feet in summer sandal shape. I will put on a nice layer of salve or lotion, put on socks, and go to bed. Morning comes and the lotion or salve has soaked into my feet, helping to keep them nice and soft. My all purpose salve (available on my website at daniandskye.wix.com/danishomemadeproduct) are one that I like for this. I also use it on my hands and cover them and go to sleep.
7. Massage. Treat yourself to a foot massage. Find a friendly person (I use to do this for family all the time, now I try to get one from my daughter in return for her getting one) and get a nice foot rub. This will increase circulation and help ease tired feet.
Take care of your feet....they are the only ones you ever get. How do you take care of your feet?
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