10 steps for proper care for your feet

posted in: Blog, Elegant, Everyday, How to | 2
Image credit: Flickr (CC) / Sharon Durthaler
Image credit: Flickr (CC) / Sharon Durthaler

Wearing high heels requires some effort not only when the shoes are on your feet. A few extra steps will ensure your feet always look and feel good.

Dr. Hillary Brenner gave some tips Today about how to take good care of your feet so that they feel good and in return you feel good even when on a pair of sky high killer heels. There are several steps you can (and should) take to ensure a good result.

They can be separated in three categories. This will make it easier to follow these

10 steps for proper care for your feet

It all starts with the direct care. Or treating your feet to some nice procedures.

1. Soak your feet for 10 or so minutes in Epsom salt. Do this twice a week. This will help decrease swelling and soreness in your feet. This would be especially nice to do if you experience pain from your heels.

2. Treat your feet with hydrating cream. You can do that two times a day. A well hydrated skin means a much lesser chance of getting blisters. This will also make your skin more durable and will minimize the risk of cuts from the shoes.

3. Don’t forget exercises. In the morning you can do the so-called towel scrunches. Sit barefoot on the ground or in a chair with your feet placed on top of a towel. Use your toes to keep scrunching the towel toward you for about 30 seconds — repeat two or three times.

4. Place your hands on a wall with your left foot behind you. Gently lunge forward with your right leg, while keeping your left leg straight and your left heel on the ground. Hold for 30 seconds, then switch legs. Repeat three times. There are also some exercises you can do in the office.

5. Place inserts in the soles of your shoes which will properly place your skeletal system in a neutral alignment and aid in shock absorption. Inserts can range from custom made all the way to foot petals. They are also made from various materials like gel, foam and so on. This might take some trial and error until you find the one that works best for you.

6. When you wear high heels for a long time, try and keep moderation. Meaning take breaks for a few minutes sitting down. If you’re still working up the heel heights, take frequent breaks to rest your feet. Even if you feel great, don’t neglect a short break every hour or two, to keep that great feel last.

And a few extra tips for picking the right shoes.

7. Try the flexibility of the shoe. Does the toe box bends upward? If it doesn’t this means the shoe is too hard and it is not suitable for long walks. If the shoe is too soft, i.e. you can bend it in half, it is also not good as it means it can’t support your foot.

8. For a day with long walks, choose heels that are relatively low and chunky. Thinner heels require more effort to walk in which will exhaust your feet quicker.

9. Make sure the shoe has support on the arch. Also choose a pair with ankle straps if you’re going to walk a lot.

10. If you’re still new to high heels, don’t be a hero. Choose lower heels at first. Or if you really, really want to go with proper high heels, then choose a pair with a platform to lower the angle on your feet but still keep you high.

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