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Original poster

Does anyone foot spa?

26 replies

itsafig · 21/10/2020 07:12

I'm currently on maternity leave and walking miles and miles everyday. My feet are so sore at the end of each day, and ache throughout the night.

I'm considering getting a foot spa. One of those things that heats water up and bubbles and massages. Does anyone have one? Are they effective for soothing sore feet?

OP posts:

Original poster

itsafig · 21/10/2020 08:12

Anybody? 🦶🏼

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picklemewalnuts · 21/10/2020 08:27

It's never done a lot for me, and is a right pain to fill and empty.

What about keeping a bottle of water in the freezer, and rolling it under your feet? Rolling a tin with your feet is nice, too.

Also, check your shoes, are they supportive enough? Because everything softens in pregnancy it's important shoes fit well and are comfortable. Mine grew a size, and never went back.

Original poster

itsafig · 21/10/2020 08:37

@picklemewalnuts thank you the rolling is a great idea. And new shoes. Would you care to recommend a brand? I'm currently living in Keds which aren't very supportive

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AlwaysLatte · 21/10/2020 08:44

I've got a Revlon one, I love it! I keep it in the downstairs cloakroom cupboard, it's easy to fill and empty in the shower. Get one that heats the water though as they do cool quickly.

Original poster

itsafig · 21/10/2020 08:49

@AlwaysLatte thank you- is it a faff to use at all? And store?

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standupsitdownturnaround · 21/10/2020 08:49

You could try a washing up bowl filled with Epsom salts and maybe some lavender or peppermint oil. There are loads of suggestions online for different concoctions.

This is what I do:

Fold up an old towel on the floor

Put washing up bowl on top with Epsom salts (loads - make it really concentrated)

If my feet are smelly I use sodium bicarbonate and salt instead

Make the water as hot as you can stand (it cools down quickly)

Add few drops of lavender

If you can, wrap another towel around the bowl and over the top to keep the heat in

Switch on a film and let your feet stew for as long as you can

Afterwards, leave floor towel where it is and rub a moisturiser in but add a drop of lavender then when it's soaked in, put some socks on so you don't smear the cream over your floors

picklemewalnuts · 21/10/2020 08:57

Have you had your baby yet? I'm worried about you lifting the bowl of water to pour it away!

Epsom salts are good, yes.

Re brand of shoe, I'm not sure- it depends what suits you. But it should have good shock absorption, if you are walking on roads. Walking boots are fine if you are mainly off the road.

Do be careful, your feet do a lot of work and you only get one pair! I'm now sentenced to orthopaedic type shoes, and really miss pretty shoes and boots!

Original poster

itsafig · 21/10/2020 09:03

Thanks everybody!

@standupsitdownturnaround that's an excellent suggestion, I'm going to try it out tonight! Though I will need to get some Epsom salt. What's their main purpose?

@picklemewalnuts yes baby has popped! Terrible sleeper so I've had to walk 5 miles plus most days, and my feet are so very sore. I'm considering getting a pair of New Balance shoes. Apparently they're quite supportive. I'm going to ask the good ladies over at style and beauty shortly... www.newbalance.co.uk/women/shoes/lifestyle/classic-trainers/720/WL720V1-30686-W.html

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picklemewalnuts · 21/10/2020 09:12

Good plan re the shoes.

Epsom salts contain magnesium which is a helpful supplement generally. They also draw out excess water, so help with swelling.

TheSpottedZebra · 21/10/2020 09:15

Yes, definitely get supportive, waterproof walking shoes over a foot spa.
But if you can afford both, my mum has always loved her foot spa. She uses minty things and finds it very refreshing.

TheSpottedZebra · 21/10/2020 09:17

The shoes you linked to are nice, but if you have pain now (ie at a young age), get a practical shoe rather than a fashion shoe for the walking. Future you will be thankful.

pinkbalconyrailing · 21/10/2020 09:20

absolutely get new shoes. trainers are fine, though scetchers are awful, esp the memory foam ones.
keds are too flat.

wrt foot spa: yes to the washing up bowl. perfect size. I also like epsom salt or magnesium sulphate bath salt. scholl and the like have nice foot spa products.
if I want to work on hard skin I add a tablespoon of soda crystals

AlwaysLatte · 21/10/2020 09:33

@itsafig
It's not a faff at all, I shower it clean after use with shower spray and dry it then just pop it into a cupboard. The trick is to have it near where you would use it and near water otherwise I think it would be a faff.
Don't put bubble bath in it though. Take it from me...

Plump82 · 21/10/2020 09:34

I love my foot spa. My one has rollers that can be removed so they're nice to roll your feet over. It also heats up as as PP says this is a good addition as the water does cool quickly. They're not too expensive so i reckon you should treat yourself to one, along with good shoes!

Coldwinds · 21/10/2020 09:37

Oh I want a foot spa. My feet are turning in to trotters at the moment and then need some TLC!

Original poster

itsafig · 21/10/2020 09:41

Thanks everybody, maybe I'll just get both! Foot spas are £40 on Amazon, seems reasonable!

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tenlittlecygnets · 21/10/2020 10:40

I do and I love it. Very relaxing!!!

Brashopper · 21/10/2020 10:48

My podiatrist recommended Vionics. They have built in arch support etc.

They are pricey but TKMaxx often has them in, although there’s only one pair currently in stock. My trainers were £20 and my ballet flats were £15, about a year ago. It might be worth checking the site from time to time to see what they have.

picklemewalnuts · 22/10/2020 11:26

@pinkbalconyrailing how do soda crystals help? My feet are very hard at the moment, does it make a big difference?

picklemewalnuts · 22/10/2020 11:28

Or do you mean bicarbonate of soda/baking soda?

pinkbalconyrailing · 22/10/2020 11:33

soda crystals (the kind used for laundry) make the hard skin soft so you can rub some off with a scratchy towel.
don't use too much and rinse afterwards.

picklemewalnuts · 22/10/2020 12:48

Thank you!

Nsws2015 · 22/10/2020 13:58

I have a beurer one, its amazing!!!!!! I'd longed for one but could never justify the price (was around £120 in argos) then we found one at the carboot new in its box for £35....hubby was gonna try and haggle but I just flung my money at them and ran with it! I worked in a supermarket (on maternity atm) and the floor gave me plantar fasciitis to the point I could barely walk at the end of each shift. The foot spa was bliss, it kept the water warm and I could turn the heat up and down, there are rollers on the bottom to massage my feet, I just love it. Even my hubby and kids do, they've all had a good soak in it 🤣

DiscoMoo · 22/10/2020 15:26

Regarding shoes, if you are likely to be walking in the rain or wet I’d recommend you get a decent pair of waterproof walking shoes or boots. Most trainers aren’t waterproof and walking with wet feet is truly miserable.

Original poster

itsafig · 22/10/2020 20:19

@Nsws2015 whoa £120! Is it very special?

@DiscoMoo my husband has walking shoes and whilst they're comfy I just can't face the aesthetic... I've ordered New Balance trainers and am hopeful they will present a happy compromise.

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