Break Out The Flip Flops (and Reflexology) – Summer Is Finally Here!

Finally – we’re able to put our boots and winter woolies away (hopefully!) and bring out our sandals and flip flops!

This past weekend, my partner and I took advantage of the warm temperatures and headed to the beach, my all-time favorite place! Exploring the trails at Hammonasset Beach, walking the path along the shore, and finally onto the warm sandy beach to dip our toes in! Heaven on earth!

So what could possibly go wrong? Later that evening, as we continued to relax and reminisce about our perfect day, Jim started to hobble when he walked. After all our walking, he had started experiencing tenderness and muscle spasms in his feet and lower legs – why you might ask? He wore flip flops to do all this walking and now was feeling the painful reminder about the importance of wearing the right footwear for the activity. Who would have “thunk” it!

Flip flops are great for short distances and especially to slip on when walking on the hot sand. Yet for longer walks that are on different surfaces – sand, trails, pavement – flip flops can actually cause strain in the muscles of the foot and lower leg as your foot grips the shoe to keep it on.

A better choice may be a more supportive type of sandal or other type of athletic footwear that supports your foot and doesn’t cause muscle strain.

Yet once the discomfort is there, what can you do?

First, apply gentle reflexology, massage to the area to ease the discomfort.

Put your feet up on the sofa or ottoman and point the toes up toward the ceiling and then gently down toward the floor. This gives the calf and foot muscles a gentle stretch.

While your feet are up, draw large circles clockwise and counterclockwise with your feet.

While sitting, gently roll the bottom of your foot on a tennis, lacrosse or golf ball.

Freeze a tall 8 oz. disposable water bottle, put a sock on (never put ice packs directly onto the skin – it can damage the tissue) and
gently roll your foot on the ice bottle. The cold can help ease the discomfort and “massage” the sore areas.

Soak your feet in an Epsom salt foot bath.

Apply essential oils such as Young Living’s Aroma Siez, Marjoram, Pan Away, Basil, or Oregano. If needed, use a carrier oil and test patch the oil.

Take care of those tootsies! When they feel good – you feel good. After all…everything is interconnected!

For on-going comfort, schedule a Reflexology session with Solutions for Wellness. Click here for more information.
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*As always, listen to your body and call your healthcare provider when you feel it is necessary. These are suggestions not medical advice.