If your feet feel tired or cramped at the end of the day, you might try a few basic things to improve their condition, such as soaking your feet in warm water or applying lotion to your skin. Although these foot care steps can be helpful, they may not be enough to improve the overall condition of your feet. Sometimes you need to take your foot care regimen a step further. You can find relief with the foot care tips below.

Move Your Body

If you don't exercise regularly, you may want to start now. Exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight and improves your circulation. Like your knees, hips, and thighs, your feet bear much of your body's weight. It may not seem like it, but a few extra pounds can potentially cause wear, tear, and stress on the tissues in your feet.

Poor circulation might be another problem for your feet. Sometimes conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can weaken or damage the nerves and blood vessels in your feet, which reduces the flow of blood to them. Muscle cramps and fatigue are common symptoms of poor circulation. 

Low-impact exercises, such as walking and swimming, are good ways to move your body without causing much additional stress on your feet. If you do have an underlying health condition like high blood pressure, consult with your doctor, or even a podiatrist, before you begin any exercise. You may need to modify your exercises to fit your condition, such as wear cushions in your exercise shoes to minimize the stress on certain parts of your feet.

Eat More Watery Fruits and Vegetables

Your diet may also play a role in the condition of your feet. You probably already know that drinking water helps hydrate your body, but there are other ways to keep your body and the skin on your feet hydrated. You can eat fruits and vegetables that have a high water content.

Watermelon, cantaloupe, and tomatoes, are just a few watery foods you can add to your daily diet. Many high water content foods contain nutrients that help your body recover after activities like exercise, especially if you become too fatigued.

Additionally, most fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and minerals that help fight muscle cramps, including vitamin D. If you're concerned about vitamin D and its potential effects on your feet, consult with a foot specialist.

If you wish to learn more about caring for your aging feet, contact a podiatrist's office like Advanced Foot Clinic for an appointment.