There are a number of factors that contribute to tired, aching feet. Among these are age, gender and ill fitting shoes.
Age: As we age, the natural thick pad on the soles of our feet begins to wear down and our feet get wider and can become drier than normal.
Gender: Unfortunately, women tend to suffer more severely from foot pain than men, especially among those who wear high heels. Furthermore, pregnant women have an increased risk of aching feet due to weight gain, swelling in their feet and ankles, and the release of certain hormones that cause ligaments to relax.
Ill Fitting Shoes: Wearing shoes that are either too small or too big can have a damaging effect on your feet and the rest of your body. The wrong shoes can put pressure on the feet, knees and back and can cause serious strain.
There are many things that can be done to help relieve achy feet:
- Soak your feet in warm water and add a few drops of peppermint oil to help soothe the skin.
- Purchase a pair of orthotic insoles to wear inside your shoes. These control the position of your feet while you walk, and help to support your arches.
- Massage your feet regularly.
- Exercise your feet. Get a tennis ball (or soft foam ball) and roll your foot over its surface. This can help relieve cramps in the foot, and ultimately help improve that tired aching feeling.
