Taking care of your feet has to start with more than just massages. If you are required to stand for long periods of time because of the job that you do, make sure that you have proper shoes. Maintaining good posture can also help with foot pain. If you suffer from chronic foot pain, try making little circles with your feet during the day. Sit as often as possible, stretching your feet forward and backwards. You might also consider the cushioned insoles that are designed to mold with contours of your feet and massage pressure points while walking.

If your feet are particularly sore at the end of the day, a little aromatherapy foot massage oil may help. Make an herbal bath with ½ cup of Epsom salts, four drops of peppermint oil, and four drops of eucalyptus oil mixed well in a foot tub of hot water. Remember that the vapors released are half the treatment, so breathe in and relax. If your skin is sensitive, you can reduce the oils to two drops each.

After soaking your feet for 10 minutes, have a friend or loved one give you a massage. Make sure that your feet are completely dry before beginning. To give a good massage, here are some steps to follow.

Begin with a moderate amount of cream or oil to the hands. Hands should be warm to avoid any discomfort.

Start by stroking the top of the foot, between the cords that are located at the instep. Massage in the direction of toe to ankle. Next you can stroke the sole of the foot, starting out gently and gradually increasing pressure.

Create circular motions with your thumb and fingers over the sole of the foot, using more pressure along the heel and ball of the foot. Start at the top of the foot and work your way down, making sure that you get the sides of the foot as well.

Next, hold the foot with one hand and use the other to rotate the foot. Start by rotating at the ankle, then closer to the ball of the foot. Keep your movements gentle and repeat five times in each direction.

Continuing to hold the foot with one hand, make a fist with the other and give moderate pressure into the sole. Make sure that you give enough attention to the arch of the foot.

Starting with the big toe and working towards the pinky, take each toe individually and roll between your thumb and forefinger while you slide you fingers down the toe, applying pressure. Finish by gently squeezing the end of each toe. Then take your index finger and slide it between each toe about 5 times.

To finish the massage, repeat the circular motions made at the beginning. End by stroking the sole and instep, and wipe off any excess cream or oil with a towel. Putting on thick socks or slippers will help to maintain the moisturizing effect. Repeat all steps for the opposite foot.

For best results, the receiver of the massage needs to be comfortable. Find a comfortable seat, and enhance the mood with relaxing music or scented candles. A slower massage will induce relaxation, while a quicker one will help stimulate the body. If your hands start to become tense, shake them gently to relieve it and continue. Be cautious as to the amount of pressure you use - too much may become uncomfortable, and too little may tickle. Do not overuse the oil or cream, as it will cause your hands to become slippery. If the feet are overly painful or sensitive, consult medical advice from a professional, as this can be a sign of an underlying problem.

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Tags: Foot Care

There are so many elements of everyday living that are absolutely torturous for your feet. Standing all day, too-small shoes, stuffy boots, and exposing them to the locker room floor at your local gym are examples of scenarios to which most people can relate. Feet are often taken for granted until they start to hurt and reject the burdens you place on them, so think of taking care of your feet now as an investment against problems in the future.

If you have ever had a professional pedicure, you know how amazing it feels to have your feet taken care of: soaking, exfoliation, moisturizing and maybe even massage. The best part is you can recreate this experience at home with only a small investment of time, money, and resources.

Begin by removing any old nail polish with a cotton swab soaked in remover and then by soaking your feet in a tub, hot water. Toss in some bath or Epsom salts to increase the relaxing feelings. If you have a home foot bath with bubbles or jets, that's even better. Soak for at least five to ten minutes; the heat will promote blood circulation in your feet and soften your skin and you can use the time to read, watch television or just lean back and relax.

When you're done soaking, use a small brush to buff one foot at a time, removing dead skin cells and softening your feet. Place each foot back into the water after you've finished brushing.

Use a dollop of foot scrub lotion (available at any department or drug store) to further soften any rough spots like your heels or the sides of your toes. When you've massaged the lotion into your feet, use a pumice stone to finish off any lingering rough skin. This is a great tool, so take your time and rinse your feet when you're done.

Are you feeling good by now? There's more. Remove your feet from the water and dry them with a soft towel. Rub your feet with some of your favorite lotion. A peppermint lotion may be particularly soothing and relaxing, especially if you have a willing partner to handle this step for you. Either way, it feels marvelous.

After you've finished massaging your feet, it's time to add a little style. Trim and shape your nails with clippers and a file, and then use a cuticle stick to gently push back your now softened cuticles. If you have a cuticle trimmer, you may want to scale away excess cuticle skin, although it's imperative to do this carefully to avoid damaging the cuticle.

Once your cuticles are under control, you will want to even out the surface of your nail by applying a clear or opaque base coat. This will help hide any ridges or lumpy areas that might show up if you applied nail color directly to the affected area. When the base coat is dry, add a coat of your favorite nail color. Choose something soft and light for a conservative look or something bold and daring for more flair. Whatever your choice, it's a good idea to apply several coats to improve the durability of your finish. Clean up any messy areas as you go, using a small cloth or cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover to dissolve stains that may have been deposited around the edges of your toe nail. An additional coat of clear sealer will prevent chips and scuff marks from harming your pedicure masterpiece.

That's it! You're ready to strap on a pair of open-toe sandals or to pad around the house in your bare, and very fashionable, flattering feet.

Looking pretty is one element of great feet. The other part is keeping your feet healthy. Wear supportive, well-fitted shoes, wash and dry your feet carefully to avoid fungal and bacterial problems, and mention any significant problems, such as cuts and scrapes on your feet not healing well as that could indicate a more serious problem such as diabetes.

Tags: Foot Care