If you missed out on August 17th’s National I Love My Feet Day, this is the perfect time to remind you to show some gratitude to your feet which do so much for all of us. Feet are the foundation for the entire body, so they deserve some love, too.

Foot massages are a great way to pamper your feet, but it’s not just about relaxation, foot massages offer plenty of health benefits as well.

How to give yourself a good foot massage:

• Start by rubbing the soles of your feet.
• Focus on any areas that feel tight when you rub.
• Rub from your heel to the ball of the foot.
• Stretch out your toes and ankles while wiggling them back and forth.
• Rub the tops, sides, and bottom of your toes to get the blood flowing. This will improve circulation.
• Gently squeeze your heel and top side of your foot to loosen the muscles and improve blood flow.
• Also, remember to rub the muscles in your arch.
• Focus on the bones of the foot by rubbing between them with a firm circular motion.

A foot massage stimulates blood flow, muscles, reduces tension, and often eases discomfort. It also gives you a chance to check out your feet so you can examine them for any new issues, and get a jump on treating blisters, bunions, warts, and toenail problems.

The biggest benefit might be how massage improves circulation. Most of us are living a sedentary lifestyle, we have become unaccustomed to using all of our muscles regularly, including those in our feet. The muscles in the feet get hardly any exercise and circulation and are often impaired by tight and uncomfortable shoes. A 10–20 minute massage session before going to bed can greatly improve circulation in the lower legs and feet, which is particularly important for anyone managing diabetes.

Our dedicated doctors provide state-of-the-art care to our patients: Dr. W. Aaron Broyles, Dr. Robert L. Van Brederode, and Dr. Thomas Verla. Their staff serves patients in Madison, Mitchell, and Watauga County. Contact us today to make an appointment with Alta Ridge Foot Specialists at one of our three offices at 105 Chestnut Street, Mars Hill, 440 Alta Pass Highway, Spruce Pine, or 2211 NC Hwy 105, Boone, NC. We look forward to hearing from you!