Festive shopping, cooking, and decorating may all be a part of your daily itinerary as Diwali approaches. But while you are making merry, how happy are your feet?
You do not want soreness or injuries to slow you down during the holidays. It is important to care for your feet so they can carry you through all these celebrations and activities.
Tips to Take Care of Your Feet
Remember to:
1. Moisturize. During Diwali holidays, there are many barefoot activities around the house as well as temple visits, which take a toll on the skin of your feet.
Moisturize your feet daily to avoid dry, cracked, and irritated skin.
2. Exercise your feet. Stretching your feet is a good way to avoid muscle cramps. Stave off toe cramps by raising, pointing, and curling your toes for five seconds, and repeat this 10 times.
Rotating your ankles can also help relax your feet. Cup your heel and rotate each ankle five times to loosen your ankle joints.
3. Massage your feet. Not only do foot rubs feel good, they are also a great way to release tension and boost blood circulation after a long day on your feet.
Take a few minutes to massage your feet at the end of a day of shopping and celebrating.
4. Raise and rest your legs. Your feet and ankles can swell from sitting too long in one position or if you have been on your feet all day long. Rest with your legs elevated to reduce swelling.
5. Get a pedicure. Picture-perfect toes are part of the festive wardrobe for many women. Whether you do it yourself or go to a salon, be sure your pedicure is done hygienically with clean and sterile tools.
Use toenail clippers with a straight edge to cut nails straight across and prevent ingrown nails.
6. Wear smart shoes. Ditch the heels when running errands, shopping, or travelling.
Wear comfortable shoes with good arch support and padded sole. This will prevent your feet from hurting at the end of the day.
7. Soak your feet every night. At the end of a tiring day, soak your feet in a tub of warm water for 15 to 20 minutes.
This will relax your tired feet, loosen dry scales and soften the thick, hardened skin on the heels of your feet.
8. Keep your feet clean and dry. This is one of the most important tips to consider. Clean your feet well every time you bathe, especially the area between your toes, and dry your feet thoroughly after.
Change your socks after every wear, and alternate between pairs of shoes if needed.
Remember, feet should not hurt persistently. It can be an indication of injury or illness. Do not ignore long-standing symptoms of discomfort in your feet and seek medical help at the earliest.
Disclaimer: This article is written by the Practitioner for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.