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.

*** Massage should not be considered as a replacement for professional medical treatment: a physician should be consulted in all matters relating to health and especially in relation to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. In some cases, a primary physician’s approval/prescription is required before any bodywork is administered. Care should be taken during pregnancy, particularly in the use of essential oils and pressure points. Essential oils should not be ingested, and should be used for babies and children only on professional advice.