When you think of all the stresses and strains we put on our bodies throughout our lifetime, it’s a minor miracle that parts don’t breakdown, collapse, or fall off more often than they do! Our feet absorb extraordinary forces. Not just our own bodyweight, but extra weight from lifting and carrying objects. We might be on our feet for 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. For an average lifespan of eighty years. Add to that an average 8,000 to 10,000 steps daily, and we can begin to understand the enormous pressure our feet are under.

Around three-quarters of the population in the USA say they have experienced foot pain at one time or other. This is not surprising when one examines the foot’s complex structure. There are 26 bones, 33 joints, 19 muscles, 107 ligaments and a mass of tendons. There is potential for a lot to go wrong. Ironically though, it is not the pounding and weight-bearing or extreme sports that cause the majority of the problems. It is the everyday wearing of badly fitting shoes and general neglect that causes most foot pain. Ingrown toenails and dry, cracked skin are obvious examples of this. But what can be done to reduce the pain, to revitalise those aching soles, heels and toes?

The good news is, quite a bit. And most of it can be done cheaply, with a good measure of common sense. Elevate your feet and exercise you toes and soles(flex and extend). Try to do this daily. This will help with improve circulation and reduce the instance of cramp. Soak your feet. Ideally in Epsom Salts. The Magnesium in Epsom Salts is an essential mineral with anti-inflammatory properties. After soaking, moisturise your feet. Particularly around the heels. This will help to prevent dry cracked heels. Run your feet alternately under hot and cold water. Try to use water as hot as is safe and bearable. Always finish the process with the cold water.

Massage is another great way to stimulate the blood supply and improve the circulation. Use a golf or tennis ball and roll your foot backwards and forwards over it. This will also soften and stretch the muscles helping to reduce cramp. Buy insoles/heel supports, to cushion the impact of everyday drudgery. Ladies should forego high- heeled shoes as much as possible. Stick to the flats, or better still, no shoes at all where appropriate. Put as little weight on your feet as possible, particularly when you don’t need too. Elevate them, give them a rest from being constantly grounded. Ice-pack application can be effective for acute pain or injury. Apply the ice to the affected area for around 20 minutes every 2-3 hours. This is great for reducing swelling. As a final defence, use over the counter pain relief medicines. This may not be a proactive step, but it’s very effective when used in conjunction with the other steps outlined above.