How should I pamper my sore feet?

January 22, 2018 11:24 AM

I'm just waiting for my flight back from a lovely long weekend in NYC. Unfortunately four days of walking in less than perfectly comfy boots have left my feet very sore. What should I be doing over the days to come to help them recover?
posted by sevenyearlurk to Health & Fitness (7 answers total)

Try an epsom salt foot bath. Wear supportive shoes, even at home. Roll your feet on a lacrosse ball. Ice. Icing your feet will reduce inflammation which will get you feeling better quickly.
posted by PorcineWithMe at 11:31 AM on January 22, 2018 [2 favorites]

Get a foot massage!

Also, when I first started a daily walking commute on hard city sidewalks, my feet were in a lot of pain for a few weeks until they adjusted. A few minutes each day stretching them on this foot roller was helpful. The hard little nubs felt great on the soles of my feet and stretching my foot and ankle tendons every night helped. A good warm foot soak with epsom salt does wonders too.
posted by HeyAllie at 11:32 AM on January 22, 2018

Don’t put those boots on for a few weeks. Don’t put any shoes on that are less than perfectly comfortable for a few weeks.
posted by kapers at 11:39 AM on January 22, 2018 [1 favorite]

Lying with your legs up against a wall, like this, feels great for sore feet and lower legs.
posted by Fig at 11:47 AM on January 22, 2018 [2 favorites]

Seconding "Legs Up the Wall". It is really effective. I also find soaking my feet in ice-water reduces swelling (and pain). As cold as you can stand for as long as you can stand without going numb. And an anti-inflammatory over-the-counter pill like ibuprofen might help as well.
posted by seasparrow at 12:03 PM on January 22, 2018

You can give yourself a basic foot massage, too, if you don't feel like paying for one. Much more doable than most suggested self-massages.
posted by praemunire at 12:08 PM on January 22, 2018

Soak them in hot epsom salt bath, rub in a mentholated cream that is used for sore muscles, put on some cozy socks and elevate.
posted by quince at 5:51 PM on January 22, 2018