After hiking through the parking lot and going from store to store, all the while dodging other harried shoppers in a crowded mall, it's not unusual to feel as if you just ran a marathon at the end of a holiday shopping trip.
The average person takes 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day, and an average day of walking brings a force equal to several hundred tons on the feet, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association.
To avoid foot pain and blisters, it's best to leave the heels at home. Women's shopping shoes should be good quality sneakers or comfortable flats. The best shoes for men are good quality oxford styles, shoes ordinarily associated with wing-tip or cap toe designs. Also suitable are slip-ons, dressy loafers and low dress boots.
The APMA offers these five tips on treating your feet after a day of shopping:
* Massage your feet. A foot rub will release tension, increase circulation and rejuvenate the skin.
* Soothe your soles. Soak your feet in a container filled with warm water for at least 5 minutes. Pat dry and apply lotion.
* Elevate the legs. Feet tend to swell throughout the day. Lift your legs above your heart while lying down to help reduce swelling.
* Rotate your ankles. This loosens the ankle joints and relaxes your feet. Cup your foot under the back portion of the heel with your hand and turn slowly at the ankle five times.
* Point your toes. While standing, do toe raises, points and curls for 5 seconds and repeat 10 times. This will alleviate toe cramps and strengthens calf muscles.
For more tips and a list of APMA-approved products (including foot creams, scrubs and powders) deemed beneficial to maintaining good foot health, visit www.apma.org. -NU |
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