problems might affect Your Feet (1)

problems might affect Your Feet (1)

Painful Heels

Runners and athletes often develop heel pain, but painful heels can happen to anybody. It happens to people who tend to be on their feet and are more active than average and are wearing shoes that don't provide enough cushioning. The first symptom is discomfort in the heel when you put pressure on your feet, but that discomfort eases as you go throughout the day.

To help alleviate the pain from painful heel syndrome, watch your walk. Your heel should be the first part of your foot to the ground when you walk. The arch distributes your weight toward the outside of the foot and then toward the ball of it. If your feet roll inward or outward, your weight won't be properly distributed.

Take a break when you're exercising or doing sports. If your feet hurt, limit your activities for a few days. Switch to swimming, riding an exercise bike or lifting weights. Also, do calf stretches to loosen your muscles.

Try massaging your heel with a paper cup filled with ice or with ice packs. If your heel pain doesn't improve, see your health care provider. He or she might suggest special orthotic devices made of foam, plastic, fiberglass or graphite, as well as medications and special exercises.

If you have foot pain that is unexplained and continues even after home remedies, see your health care provider or a podiatrist.

on't go really short or you might end up with an ingrown toenail. Smooth rough edges with a nail file, then refill the bowl with fresh warm water and wet your feet again. Using a loofah or bath pouf, massage with a foot scrub to exfoliate and remove dead skin on your heals. Soak them again, then rinse and towel dry.

Apply a moisturizer--either your favorite body lotion or one made especially for feet. Massage moisturizer onto each foot, making sure you get to the skin around the toenails too. This should pep up tired feet and make you feel a bit pampered, too.