Okay, this may seem a little out of the box from my usual posts about books and writing, but as a reader and a writer, I spend a lot of time flexing my fingers on the keyboard or turning the page. I tend to ignore my feet. Until they ache. Over the last 10 years, I’ve found a handful of solutions, so in this post, I’ll share 8 ways to care for your feet (and why it matters).
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase from a link, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The Problem
I was never a serious high-heel wearer, but I was a dancer and I squeezed my feet into those toe shoes for a long time, and then I neglected my feet for years and years as I got busy with a family.
About ten years ago, I began to have a sharp pain in the ball of my foot after only a couple blocks of walking. Then, on our trip to London, I struggled to enjoy sight-seeing after a couple miles because I was in those darling black knee-high boots. I looked stylish but was miserable.
The Solution
So on my return home, I visited a podiatrist who diagnosed something complicated and recommended two things:
- One, surgery and bone-breaking and months to heal. And that might not even fix the issue.
- Two, expensive inserts.
I declined the surgery and opted for the expensive inserts. But still no relief. Hmm.
Finally, a friend recommended a local shoe store that specializes in providing good supportive shoes. All I could picture were the clunky shoes my mother used to wear once she got into her 80s… I didn’t think I was ready for orthopedic shoes!
But I visited the store and was pleasantly surprised. Good supportive shoes have come a long way as far as choices and styles. I saw lots of cute options. I also learned that the most important thing I needed – because I have no arches – is arch support. I bought a pair of relatively inexpensive inserts (which I am still using to this day) as well as a couple new pairs of shoes. On my next walk, the pain disappeared, and I haven’t looked back.
Ever since then, I’ve been paying more attention to these two important body parts because I want them to serve me well for many more years. The more I learn, the more I appreciate how just a little bit of daily care can go a long way to healthy feet.
8 Ways to Care for Your Feet
Here are 8 ways to care for your feet that have worked for me! (Please know that I am not a foot specialist – just sharing my own experiences. I also know that everyone is dealing with a variety of foot issues including plantar fasciitis, bunions, heel spurs, neuromas, and more. So check with your own practitioner or specialist before starting something new.)
#1. Move your feet.
This is more important than I ever realized. Now, I don’t mean walking or running. Those are good activities, but they don’t really exercise the muscles and tendons in your feet.
My physical therapist gave me some simple foot exercises I can do even as I sit at my desk.
One is the seated toe curl, also known as the towel curl, where you gently curl and straighten your toes. You can put a light towel beneath your feet and try to grab it with your toes. That sometimes helps. I do this whenever I remember, as I sit at my desk and write.
I also do a little toe-lifting. Lift the right big toe by itself. Then the left. Up and down about ten times. It’s a workout! When I started, I needed to hold down the other four toes. Now the muscles are stronger and I don’t need to do that. You can also lift the four other toes without the big toe. Left and right. You will feel it.
#2. Tiptoe.
Just like moving your feet, as we get older, we don’t do this so much. I was a dancer in my younger days, and so I used to spend time running around on my tippy-toes. Sometimes in toe shoes, other times barefoot. And when I do that now? Ouch. Those little muscles and tendons are stiff. Start small and just raise your feet to the tiptoe position while you are sitting. Go slowly. Listen to your body. You can do this while you are reading your favorite book. Or watching the newest streaming show. The more you do this, the easier it will be.
#3. Wear yoga toes.
Yoga toes help to spread your toes and increase flexibility. Back when I was having a lot more foot pain, I ordered this pair. I forget to do this with regularity, but when I do, my feet say thank you. I usually wear them for just an hour or so, and sometimes when I jump on the rebounder. I use these but there are a lot of options out there. Find ones that work for you.
#4. Massage your feet.
Yes, it’s nice if you can get a pedicure and have a lovely foot massage, but you can do this all by yourself. As you read, for example, especially if you are reading on your Kindle with one hand, you can gently massage your toes and arches. I also keep this massage ball under my desk. I can roll my bare foot back and forth while I write or answer emails. Here’s another option.
#5. Moisturize with a good castor oil.
(If you recall, this used to be the go-to oil for lots of home remedies especially because of its laxative properties. It’s making a come-back for lots of other benefits because it’s safe and effective.)
Besides stiff feet, I tend to have dry feet, especially dry heels. I know that putting on a good moisturizer and then socks will help. But during the warm weather, I toss my socks and I walk barefoot on the beach a lot. A friend recommended this castor oil but there are lots of options out there. You don’t need to use much, just a little drop or two rubbed in really well helps. I do this when I sit down to read before bedtime so it soaks into my skin instead of my sheets.
#6. Buy good shoes.
Good shoes are pricier, but they also last a long time. I’d rather own one or two good pairs rather than a closet of ones that make my feet hurt. My favorite brands include Vionic, Ecco, Born, and Taos. I know a lot of women who love Danskos but they don’t work with my high instep. And for walking/workouts, my current favs are my On Cloud shoes. The slip-on styles are perfect for airline travel!
#7. And I’ll add this: wear good flip-flops.
This has been a no-brainer for me for years. Decades ago, I’d be excited to get a couple pairs of Old Navy flip flops in fun colors for the summer. Seriously. They are no more than a half-inch pad of rubber between my precious feet and the hard ground of life. Ouch. My go-to favorites may seem a little pricey, but they’re comfortable and provide the arch support I need. If you think you can still wear the dimestore flip-flops, do yourself a favor and invest in one pair of good ones. Your future feet will thank you.
#8. Bring along an extra pair.
So maybe this season is filled with dressier events where you might want to wear pretty strappy sandals or high-heeled pumps. Best advice is to grab a comfier pair to change into if your feet are aching. I find it so refreshing, though, that the younger generations are all about wearing sneakers with dresses these days. Now why didn’t we think of that?
Why You Should Take Care of Your Feet
Yes, our foot health is important. It seems that when my feet hurt, my whole body hurts, and I’m less inclined to walk into my day with a smile. When my feet feel good, the day is filled with possibilities.
This is also true in our spiritual lives. Consider that we are called to “stand firm” in our faith and our feet are “beautiful” as we “preach the good news!” Yes, these are metaphors, and I know faithful servants of the Lord who cannot stand or walk or move yet who still serve joyfully in His Kingdom. So it’s ultimately a matter of the heart and soul. Let’s remember these three Holy Spirit-given gifts that we have as children of God:
1. We can walk in God’s Word.
Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
Psalm 119:105 ESV
2. We can stand firm.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.
Ephesians 6:10-18 ESV
3. We can share His grace and love.
How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of him who brings good news,
who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness,
who publishes salvation,
who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”
Isaiah 52:7 ESV
Pin this post for later!
