Mardi Gras: The Aftermath and How to Heal Your Feet
The Mardi Gras season is full of fun with family, friends, and the whole community. This year, we are so excited to finally have parades and festivities back.
While we get caught up in the fun and excitement of Mardi Gras, it can take a toll on feet and ankles. Walking to your favorite spot on the route, standing for hours admiring the floats and bands, and even dancing can cause some discomfort.
Once the party is over, here are some home remedies for your sore feet and ankles.
Soaking Your Feet:
Soaking your feet in a warm tub for around five to ten minutes can help relieve some of the soreness that you may experience after the holiday. It also gives you a minute to just relax.
If you feel you may need a little more help alleviating your aches and pains, try adding Epsom salt to the warm water. To do this, add one half cup of Epsom salt to warm water and soak for around 20 minutes.
Stretching:
Some pain can emerge from muscles in the feet and ankles contracting. If you feel a tightness anywhere, there are some stretches that can help.
Sit in a comfortable position in a chair and gently roll your ankles and toes. Try this stretch for 10 to 20 seconds on each foot. This gentle movement will allow your muscles to relax and release tightness that you may experience.
Roll the bottom of your foot on a tennis ball or frozen water bottle. It is like a little massage for your feet!
Touch Therapy:
Go ahead and treat yourself after the long Mardi Gras season. Take some time to apply lotion or oil to your feet and massage any areas that feel tender or sore. You can even focus on the plantar fascia which runs from along the bottom of your foot.
The plantar fascia acts as a shock absorber for your foot, so it may be a little sore after walking and dancing during Mardi Gras. To find the plantar fascia, flex your toes upward and feel for a cord-like structure that runs from your big toe along the arch to the ankle. Relax your feet and massage that area.
While these at home remedies may help, if you are experiencing foot and ankle pain that is causing discomfort, make an appointment at Gulf South Foot and Ankle. Our doctors are dedicated to providing the best podiatric care possible and will get you back on your feet! We are located in Metairie, Covington, and Prairieville.