Question: I work in a shop and I am on my feet all day. By the time I get home, they are often swollen and painful. How can I look after my feet better?
16 September, 2008 – 17:18
Answer: The fact is, people who are often on their feet all day whether at home or due to the nature of their work, tend to suffer from sore and tired feet. Smelly, swollen and itchy feet are among the most common complaints, which if left untreated can become incredibly uncomfortable.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent foot pain and soothe tired feet:
Badly fitting shoes are by far the most common cause for sore feet. When possible, wear shoes with little or no heels and make sure you have enough room to wiggle your toes. This will improve your circulation and help to prevent feet and ankles from swelling.
Likewise, try to avoid socks or stockings with tight elastic as this too can hamper circulation and wear socks made from natural fibres (cotton or silk) which allow the skin to breathe.
After a hard day at work, soak your feet in warm water for 15-20 minutes to ease the pain. To help soften hardened skin, rub a teaspoonful of salt and baby oil into the heels of your feet. The salt should remove any dry skin and the massaging will increase blood circulation.
Finally, herbal remedies have also proven effective for sore and tired feet:
Rosemary and Eucalyptus have potent antibacterial properties and can be used to prevent infections such as Athlete’s Foot from taking hold. They also warm the feet and help to eliminate embarrassing odours.
Both are available separately as oils, or in a cream combination called ‘Gehwol’, formulated to invigorate and soothe tired feet and prevent unpleasant foot odours.
