Oh, My Aching Feet!
Massage is magic. How can rubbing and kneading your feet make such a difference in how you feel?
Massage improves circulation and helps relieve heel pain caused by tense or inflamed muscles and tendons.
There’s a band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, called the plantar fascia, and it is a primary source of sore feet. Kneading the feet will help relieve cramps, knotting and tightness.
If you’re new to foot massages, here are some tips to get you started:
- Pour some lotion or oil that has been infused with circulation-boosting ingredients into your hands. This might be peppermint, pine oil, camphor or rosemary.
- Start behind the toes and move towards the heel, using long, stroking motions. Apply extra pressure along the arch and at the ball of the foot.
- Grip the foot with both hands and gently twist your hands from side to side as if you’re wringing a towel.
- End the massage by gently pulling and releasing each toe. Repeat with the other foot.
Source: Real Simple
Published 08/24/07
