8 Ways To Cure A High Heel Hangover

Do you love high heels? Do you wear high heels to work every day? Have you ever had to walk several blocks on city sidewalks in high heels? If your answer is "yes," then you probably have suffered from sore feet. Here are the best ways to cure that high heel hangover.

Yoga And Foot Stretching Exercises

When you wear high heels, the Achilles tendon and your foot and calf muscles are held in shortened positions for long periods of time. Stretching exercises including certain yoga positions are helpful in relaxing the tendons and muscles in your feet and lower legs. Any good discussion of yoga positions can suggest positions, such as the downward-facing dog, that are good for stretching the feet.

Sneakers

Wearing sneakers will bring relief. It may seem obvious, but it’s true. If you have the luxury of being at home the day after a strenuous day of wearing heels, sneakers will definitely rest your feet.

Mineral Water Foot Baths

References to mineral water foot baths can be found throughout history, including the Old Testament. The old standby, Epsom salts, which is cheap and can be found in the grocery store, will relax your sore muscles and reduce inflammation. Just add 1-2 tablespoons of Epsom salts to a small basin of warm water and soak your feet for about 8-10 minutes to soothe your feet.

Moisturizers

Moisturizers will help. The application of a moisturizer can be combined with a foot rub or massage, and will keep the skin on your feet supple and smooth.

Foot Massage

A foot massage is heavenly. A professional foot massage or a simple foot rub applied by your partner or roommate will loosen those tight muscles in you feet. As the muscles loosen and relax, you pain should lessen.

Ibuprofen

If your feet are sore and achy after wearing high heels, you probably have some degree of inflammation, and ibuprofen will help reduce that. Ibuprofen containing drugs such as Motrin and Advil are used to treat mild inflammations. Beware, ibuprofen-containing drugs can lead to nausea, gastric bleeding and even ulcers, so take them only as directed and call your doctor if you have a gastric upset or feel week and shaky.

Be Sure You Have The Right Fit

Making sure your shoes fit properly will lessen the chances of repeated foot pain the next time you wear heels. Loosely fitting shoes, or shoes that are too tight may cause blisters on your feet.

Ice

Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation (RICE) is the standard first aid treatment for strains, sprains, and minor injuries. Sit with your feet up (elevation), stay off of your feet (rest), apply ice packs for twenty minutes on, twenty minutes off to reduce swelling.