Isn’t that the truth? Every time I hear that song, this part of it seems to resonate with me just a little bit more. I am, indeed, getting older. And that’s not entirely a bad thing. I’m more comfortable in my skin, more confident, and more willing to push myself to do hard-but-good-for-me things.
But I’m also feeling my age start to catch up with me, too, and that means that my body is a bit more creaky and that I experience more pain after being on my feet for a while. For me that pain is primarily in my calves and my back. And I recently learned that a lot of the source of that pain actually comes from my feet. Please check out the article below for some really great tips on steps you can take to alleviate heel, knee and lower back pain, just by taking better care of your feet. I have started to implement some of these strategies and I can tell a difference in how I’m feeling already!
Consider an area of your body that you use the most and probably ignore more than you should. That nagging pain in your heel in the morning, your sore knees, and your aching lower back are all related to our body’s foundation, our feet. Fortunately, the pain is not only treatable, but preventable as well.
Phil Vasyli, podiatrist and innovator behind Orthaheel shares easy, affordable, and accessible tips for anyone to treat and prevent foot pain so that the rest of the day we are free to move, walk and run with ease and comfort.
Advising his patients to pay particular attention to lower body alignment and the proper posture of their feet will help achieve proper biomechanical body movement, and therefore maintain pain-free feet at all times. “An orthotic device realigns the rear-, mid-, and fore-foot, removes the tractional forces, and raises the arch back up to its proper position,” says Vasyli.
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Wear slippers. Never walk barefoot, even indoors. Advisable to put on soft, comfortable slippers, but be sure they also have hard soles and adequate arch support. Look for slippers with a deep heel cup to stabilize, support, and realign the feet, helping to improve posture and balance.
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Home therapy: Roll or massage the foot on a golf ball or tennis ball to improve blood flow and break down adhesions that result from exertion and possible injury.
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Maintain/increase flexibility: Stretching is the best method to counter the constant contraction of muscles throughout the day and especially while walking. Since the calf is the most over-used muscle across the board, it is essential to stretch. Gentle stretching exercises of the calf, hamstring, and posterior muscle groups maintain flexibility and healthy muscles in the recovery phase. Should you stand for long periods of time, take time to do recommended toe, heel, calf, and Achilles stretches.
- Roll feet in both directions to warm up ankles. Try drawing the entire alphabet with your feet.
- Flex and point toes for 2-3 sets of up to 10 full reps.
- Stretch Achilles by flexing foot against a wall and lean forward. Hold stretch for 2 sets of 15-30 seconds each.
- Stand facing wall with feet 2ft apart and heels firmly planted on ground to stretch calves.
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Massage: Regular massage of the feet, legs, and lower back focusing on the lymphatic system drains away toxins and loosens the contracted muscles. Other benefits include: increased blood flow, range of motion, flexibility, decreased muscle tension and spasms, and an overall sense of well being.
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Ice: Twice daily icing on strained foot muscles for 20mins at a time prevents inflammation. A common recommendation that works well for runners and those with plantar fasciitis is to freeze a water bottle and roll it under your foot slowly from the fore foot to arch to heel for 20mins. In addition, elevation of the feet encourages all built up and congested blood/inflammation in the feet to drain. Ice increases healing and peripheral circulation.
Want to know which tip struck me the very most? The one about wearing slippers! I work from home, so I spend the majority of my dare barefoot, simply because I can! But for the past few weeks I have been wearing slippers sent to me from Orthaheel, (the Geneva) and can I just say this….
WOAH.
My feet feel SO good in these slippers! And I really even hesitate to call them slippers, because look at that sturdy heel. You can absolutely wear these out of the house without worrying that you are going to damage them. They are ready for a trip to the grocery store of the school pick up line. And yes, I have worn them to both places!
So now that I’m experiencing less pain, I want you to have the same experience! You can purchase these fantastic slippers for $69.95 for yourself or a loved one here. Or…
Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win a pair of Geneva slippers from Orthaheel!
Sky Kory says
I’d pick teal slippers.
Marcy Strahan says
Posting again because I did not see my comment post. Black Size 8 1st choice..2nd choice would be purple & 3rd chioce pink.
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Marcy Strahan says
My First choice would be Black Size 8 Womens! If out of stock my second choice would be purple & 3rd choice pink!
I like the Black because mixed with the cream/white inside it matches my french maid nightgown!
Michelle Tucker says
I’d choose the Teal.
Lisa L says
I’d pick Fuchsia!
trixx says
I’d like purple, thanks!
Denise C says
I really like the purple.
Dorothy Hubbard says
I would pick the tan in a size 8,
Beverly Metcalf says
I would love a pair of those slippers in the black color. Thanks!
Christian Alejandro says
I’d go with black!
laurie says
I like the camel color
kathy pease says
id love the purple
Vikki Billings says
I would choose the black!
Mary J says
I love the teal color.
Mary M. says
I like the black shoes.
Alisha Hawk says
Purple
Breanne says
I’d pick teal
Anonymous says
I like the Fuchsia
Nicole C. says
I would choose the Teal.
Ellie W says
I would choose black
Buddy Garrett says
I want Camel.
alyce poalillo says
Purple size 6 works for me
Ruth M says
I love the purple color
Sherry Conrad says
I would choose the Teal in a size 7.
Barbara S says
Black size 10 womens
Harriett Daniel says
I love the Fushia, but I am picking black. It goes with everything!
rose paden says
I would choose purple!
Melinda Stephens says
I’d choose the purple ones.
Peggy Mays says
I would love the purple in the largest size and width you have. Thank You.
Gianna says
Black size.
Kayla says
I like the Fuschia!
Angela Ash says
I usually like things like these slippers in black, but I have to go w/the purple since the color is just so pretty. Very nice.
Heidi Back says
Purple or Teal
Casandra says
I’d definitely pick the camel, they look super cozy!
tamatha hunter says
gotta go with the purple ones
tim says
I would pick teal
amanda s says
Purple!
Brittney House says
I would choose black.
tina reynolds says
i would pick the teal
Samantha Daleo says
I love the purple!
mysweetiepiepie says
I like the purple.
Brenda Elsner says
I would choose black.
Philip Downer says
Id choose BLACK. Awesome slippers! Cant wait to try them
Mya Murphy says
My favorite color is PURPLE!!!!
Richard Hicks says
would choose purple
brich22 at earthlink dot net
Rebecca Peters says
I like fushia
Karen Drake says
I would love the Fushia.
Cindy Ray says
I like the black slippers
jill says
I would pick the teal.
heather crawford says
I like Fuchsia!!!!
Sharold Friedrich says
I love the Fuchsia
Daniel M says
i like the camel
Jill Myrick says
I would love to have the Purple Geneva Slippers.
jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
Lisa Garner says
I would love the purple pair.
Sara Sullivan says
I would choose black or camel. I have heel spurs and can attest to Orthaheel being a fantastic shoe for foot pain relief!
Jennifer Reed says
I would choose the teal size 6 Geneva Slippers.
Heather Garcia says
would choose black!
Ruth Anderson says
I have been wanting to try the orthoheel shoes for quite awhile if I should win I choose the camel .Thank you for the chance .
crystal smith says
I like them in Black best 🙂 Thats the color I would choose
Heather B says
I would love the camel if I was lucky enough to win
Gwendolyn Blunt says
I love the pink! <3
Tammy Woodall says
I would love the Fuschia… very pretty color) in size 8.
Shannon says
I’d love purple! (Go Ravens!)
Meghan K says
The fuchsia is beautiful…
Jenny says
I like the purple
Janet F says
I would like them in Black.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
Jen S says
I like the purple!
Donna says
I would like the teal.
Roslyn Rehrig says
I like fushia size 10.
Jean Fischer says
I like the teal
Gayle S says
I would choose Fuchsia in a size 8.
Sindy Murray says
I like teal!!
Susan Chester says
I would get them in black.
Wendy R says
I’d choose Camel!
Dorothy Teel says
I really like these Orthaheel Slippers in size 8 – Geneva Slipper – – Item #: 26GENEVA
Color: Black, my tired feet would love to try these out and see what they do for heel pain.
latanya says
I like camel
Lisa V. says
I like the tan.
Christine says
would choose black
Sacha Schroeder says
If I won, I would choose Camel.
Sue Hull says
I’d choose Black in a size 10. Thank you 🙂
Brandy Davis says
Black or camel in size 8 : )
Lauren Becker says
I like the black!
Jennifer T. says
I’d get the Teal…in size 9 please 😉
jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com
Heather Roberts says
I would love the teal.
Steve Stone says
I would pick purple or black here.
Laura J says
Oh I would love the Black!
Jennifer W says
I would choose black or fuchsia. I love Orthaheel shoes! They are so comfortable.
Renee Walters says
I would pick black.
Carohn Joline Z. says
I like Fuchsia, and Camel.
Anastasia says
I’d pick Fuchsia!!! – These sound great 🙂 I’d love to try them out!
brandy g. says
I would choose the Teal…that is a really pretty color.
Melissa S. says
What a great giveaway! I would pick the teal or black in a size 9.
Megan says
I’d probably go with either Camel or Black
Megan says
My mom would love these!
tsmith says
I would choose the purple.
Amanda B. says
I’d LOVE the teal! They would be so great for my baby hospital bag! 🙂
Amanda B. says
I’d LOVE the teal! These would be so great for my baby hospital bag!
kim says
I would choose the teal
cristine says
I like the fuchsia! These look like great slippers!
Marci says
Thanks for all the helpful hints. I’ve been looking at your blog most of the morning. I have bad feet and would love to try these! Fuchsia or black are right up my alley!
Tiffany Merritt says
So glad to have you! 🙂
Jessica L says
I love the purple! I have been wearing orthaheel shoes for about a year now but I had no idea they have slippers, I definitely need some of these!
Desiree Dunbar says
I’d love Purple.
Amy says
Oh my…I LOVE the teal. My slippers bit the dust last year and I haven’t replaced them yet.
randi says
I would choose the black ones. size 9
Alicia B says
Love the pink
Ashley says
Fuchsia! These look very comfy and perfect for when I deliver baby number 3 in January!!
Nicol says
I would pick Fushia!
Melissa Plunkett says
I would pick black 7 1/2! Stay at home mom of four, three homeschoolers and a 14 month old!! Busy on the feet lady!
Amber E. says
I’d go with trusty old black. I really really really want some of these! My feet will thank you. 😀
Carla S says
I want purple ones :).
Carol says
I would pick black.
renee says
Good ol black!
Trish F says
Hello, I would love the black ones please. Thanks for a great giveaway!
stacy brady says
loving the black!!!
Sandy Cain says
I love the black. It goes with everything!
Serena Powell says
I like the Teal
Ani says
I would pick black.
Chrystal D says
I’d choose the Fuchsia ones if I won!
PAIGE CHANDLER says
I like the pink slipper
Emory Brooks says
I like the black.
Dawn Robertson says
I’d LOOOVE the purple in a size 10! Thank you, so much!
Heather M says
I would love the teal
gen says
black in size 8
Linda White says
Id love the teal ones!
Kimberly Schotz says
I would choose Teal
Patty Smith says
purple!
Cynthia C says
I like the teal slippers
Tari Lawson says
I would pick the camel color.
Maryann D. says
I would pick the Camel color.
Deb K says
I would choose purple.
Margaret Smith says
I’d love the black.
sunnie says
I like the teal.
Tanya White says
I would chose pink.
Ann Fantom says
If I won, I would pick the Fuchsia colored slippers
Michelle S. says
I like the purple, size 7 please!
Shannon Baas says
I’d like black.
Stephanie V. says
black please
tvollowitz at aol dot com
vickie couturier says
Id choose purple,my favorite color
Amy B says
Wow I learned a lot reading this blog. I stopped in the middle to do the alphabet with my feet. My 3 year old was very interested in what I was doing lol
Martha says
These slippers sound amazing! I would choose Camel.
Vicki Wurgler says
I’d pick purple
Sonja Foust (Pintester) says
How cool! And I would totally be tempted to wear them to the grocery store. In fact, I think I’d go with fuschia just so I would be LESS tempted.
debbie says
I would like black
Jennifer Rogers says
I want the Fuschia!
DEBIJOT says
I like Fuchsia.
Colleen Maurina says
I would choose the Geneva Slipper in black.
Melissa says
I love the purple
Debbystef says
I would love black.
Melissa C. says
I would pick teal if I won. Thanks!
1955nurse says
I would choose the Fushcia, so pretty! And as a Nurse, I need something super comfortable to put on after being on my feet for 12+ hrs!!! Thanks for the chance….
susan says
I would love one in purple.
brandy says
PURPLE! i never walk barefoot in the house. it does cause mega problems for me!
ColleenMarie says
I would choose purple!
Cheryl F. says
I want Fuchsia.