3 Ways to Pamper Your Feet

Do a few stretches

These easy-to-do stretches help alleviate tension and strengthen the intrinsic muscles in the soles of your feet. Even better: Each one doubles as a DIY foot massage.

• Place a tennis or lacrosse ball on the floor. Starting close to the heel bone, work your way toward the ball of the foot, rolling front to back then side to side and front to back for two and half minutes. Switch to the other foot.
• Stand near a wall with one foot behind the other. Your front knee should be slightly bent and the back knee straight with your heel on the floor. Lean forward gently and hold for 30 seconds to stretch your calf muscle, which in turn will influence the tendons and muscles in your heel. Repeat on the other side.
• From a seated position, use your toes to pick up small objects — marbles, pencils, even a towel — off the floor.
• Stand with your feet hip-width apart, hands by your side (yogis will recognize the stance as mountain pose). Keeping your feet flat on the floor, lift and spread all 10 toes. Return to start, and lift your two big toes at once. Also try lifting your other toes in sequence, working up to six times for each toe, suggests Sherry Brourman, a yoga therapist and physical therapist in Santa Monica, CA.

Treat yourself to a pedicure

More than just a way to pretty up your toenails, a pedicure can deliver serious TLC in the form of a foot massage and soothing hot water soak, never mind the exfoliating foot buffing (and yes, men ask for polish-free versions). A few caveats: Find a salon that sterilizes its instruments in an autoclave (it looks something like a small microwave), or purchase your own set, says Weisenfeld. “Ask your pedicurist for suggestions of what to buy,” she says. And during that first appointment, look around to check if the stations are clean, if the nail technician washes her hands between clients and if the spa uses disposable plastic liners to keep the foot bath sanitary.

At home, try soaking tired or achy feet in warm water and Epsom salts. Investing in a foot spa isn't necessary, but one will keep the water warm longer and the whirlpool aspect will have some therapeutic benefits, says Diane Koshimune, a spokesperson for the APMA. To remove rough skin, use a pumice stone, a PedEgg, or an exfoliating scrub in a lukewarm bath once a week. After you've washed and dried your feet, follow immediately with moisturizer.