There's something so soothing about the end of the day. Coming home after a long, hard day of work and sitting down on the couch is one of life's simplest pleasures.
But for some, it can be the start of a whole other set of worries and troubles.
Whether you suffer from obesity, diabetes, or bad circulation, foot pain can be straight-up debilitating.
If you experience frequent foot pain, you know how much even the smallest movement can ruin your day. That's why it's important to treat yourself and take care of your feet like you would any other part of your body.
And treating sore arches doesn't need to be difficult or expensive, either.
Ready to learn more? Sit back, relax, and get ready to soothe those aching feet and sore arches. We're about to walk you through some of the easiest ways you can treat yourself (and your feet) after a long day.
7 Tips to Soothe Sore Arches and Tired Feet
1. Consider Investing in Better Shoes
If you're on your feet frequently, you'll need to take extra care of them. One of the best ways to do so is by investing in a better pair of shoes.
Studies show that the wrong shoe can not only increase foot pain but directly cause a whole slew of other problems. Believe it or not, not all feet are right for every type of shoe.
In fact, tons of people would benefit from a change. Most of us walk around with shoes that are either too cramped or don't allow for air circulation.
The wrong shoe can cause all sorts of problems from unsightly corns to fungal infections. You may even get collapsed arches if your shoes don't offer the right support!
Be sure to consult a podiatrist and see if you need specialized shoes to help soothe arches and aching feet.
2. Get Insoles
If you're not quite ready to invest in a new set of shoes yet, that's quite alright. You can still offset the difficulty of foot pain and the cost of new shoes by investing in some insoles.
And here's the good news: they're available at nearly every big-box retailer! No need to spend the extra money at a shoe store. You should be able to pick up insoles just around the corner from your home and for a low cost.
Many stores even have custom machines to detect the contours and shape of your feet to make a more accurate recommendation.
Your needs may differ from what's readily available at your neighbourhood store. Make sure you talk to a doctor and see if you can get custom insoles.
3. Soak Your Feet
We're not sure about you, but just the words 'foot soak' is enough to make us relax a bit. What better way to treat yourself at the end of the day than with a nice, relaxing soak?
All you need is a receptacle large enough for your feet, some water, and one of a few additions.
One of the most popular additions to a foot soak is Epsom salt. It's healing properties have been loved by professionals for decades, and for good reason.
Epsom salt is great for reducing any inflammation that may be caused by your sore arches. Just add half a cup to some warm water and feel the pain melt away.
You can also use a variety of household spices and oils such as lavender or tea tree oil for a quick fix. Your feet will smell fantastic and most long-lasting pain will fade away in just minutes.
4. Stretch Regularly
Of course, so far we've only detailed solutions for foot pain. Now let's look at an easy way to prevent it in the future.
Just like you stretch before jogging or working out, you should do the same with your feet. This increases circulation and blood flow and can counteract the negative aspects of shoes.
Best of all, you can do many of these stretches from the comfort of your favourite chair or couch.
Plant your feet on the ground, and bend your toes back toward your body. If you're feeling a bit of pain or soreness, that's alright, it's to be expected.
Now, lift your heels off the ground so that you really feel it in your toes. Repeat a few times every hour or so and you'll feel better in no time.
There's also the ever-popular foot roll, which is even easier. Lift your feet off the ground and roll the ball of your ankle in a circular motion. This gets the blood flowing to the entirety of your foot.
5. See a Specialist
We've briefly discussed the benefits of visiting your local podiatrist, but it can't be overstated.
You may have conditions that call for specialized care or even surgery. Don't be afraid to give your physician a call and see if you need a recommendation.
Don't let stubbornness be the cause of your sore arches and feet.
6. Get Up and Moving
One of the things your doctor will likely tell you is how important it is to stay active. No matter your age, we can all benefit from a bit of physical activity.
Think of ways to incorporate easy movement in your everyday life.
Perhaps there's a local park in your neighbourhood you can take walks in on a regular basis. Or schedule time to get together with a friend and explore a new part of the city.
After a while, you'll notice that lingering soreness won't be such a bother.
7. Use a Bunion Sleeve
If it's bunions causing your aches and pains, be sure to check out the Bunion Sleeve®. It's an easy, affordable tool that can make your life far easier and correct most simple foot problems.
The sleeve features breathable and flexible material and is extremely comfortable to wear.
Be sure to consult our size guide to see whether Bunion Sleeve or one of our other products is best for you and your sore arches.
And if you're new to the site, be sure to use the code 'FirstTimer' for a special discount.
It's time to take better care of your feet!